Bexhill elects its first French Mayor

"It had to be said!" Cllr Patrick Douart quipped in a witty reference to the tv comedy series 'Ello, 'Ello" as he accepted office on Wednesday.

The town plate was on display and the Town Hall council chamber was packed with guests who included not only the mayors of neighbouring towns and past Bexhill mayors but family and friends from France.

Thanking Cllr Deirdre Williams and Cllr Martin Kenward, for proposing and seconding him, the new mayor continued his humorous theme.

"Thank you, fellow Charter Trustees, for electing the first French mayor of Bexhill.

"I must say it is quite fitting considering we live in 1066 Country.

"Let me remind you how it all started: when the Normans land near Pevensey and were marching to Hastings, a little boy was following the soldiers when one of them said 'Boy, be careful with this bow and harrow, you might take someone's eye out.'

"You know the rest of the story...

"Let bygones be bygones especially as France has a new President. What I like about President Sarkozy is his typical French debonair attitude. When elected President, the first thing he did was to go on holiday. On his return he thought he'd get himself a new wife.

"What a way to start!

"The French newspapers can't stop writing about his private life which, incidentally, is far more interesting than his thoughts for the future.

"Anyway, I am sure you will agree that France is a lovely country with lots to offer. During my year of office and with the approval of the Charter Trustees, I would like to establish some relations with a very carefully selected French town.

"The name of the town is St Aubin De Medoc and it is situated in the middle of the Bordeaux wine-growing area.

"Coincidentally, it is also where half my family lives.

"I have met the mayor and he is looking forward to meeting us. So watch out in the press for forthcoming educational trips on wine and food-tasting.

"On a different note, I would like to announce that this year's mayor's charity is the 9th Bexhill Scout Group.

"Most of you know that their hut and equipment went up in flames a year ago and need to be replaced.

"Remarkably, they have managed to raise in excess of 28,000 in the last 12 months. But it still leaves a shortfall of 56,000 before they can rebuild their facilities."

Bexhill's new Deputy Town Mayor is Cllr Bridget George. She was nominated by Cllr Brian Kentfield and seconded by Cllr Robert Wheeler.

Thanking the Charter Trustees for the honour, she said she would do all she could to support the Town Mayor during his year of office.

The proposal that the Charter Trustees record their thanks to outgoing mayor Cllr Lendon for his year of office was proposed by Cllr Joy Hughes and seconded by Cllr Jimmy Carroll.

At the start of the meeting, Cllr Lendon had announced that his mayoral appeal had raised 8,722, to be shared equally by Hastings and Rother Crossroads and the Society of Bexhill Museums.

Thanking the mayor on behalf of Crossroads, Barry Turnwell said Cllr Lendon had been highly supportive of the charity throughout his year of office.

He had raised the profile of Crossroads and the money he had raised would enable the charity to support carers in Rother and Hastings.

"I have known Paul for many years and I would like to say how much he has done for this town."

Rother museums curator Julian Porter said that soon Bexhill would have an extended museum which would do the town justice.

"The fund-raising is not finished. We need a little bit more. But I would like to thank you, Paul, for all your support."

Thanking his fellow Charter Trustees, Cllr Lendon recalled that he had accepted office a year ago without the benefit of the "apprenticeship" of being Deputy Mayor.

He had been concerned to uphold the standards set by a multitude of predecessors.

Referring to the organisations he had met, he said that as his year had progressed he had swiftly become aware of the character which made Bexhill a great place.

The citizens of the town, by their efforts expressed through various organisations created the atmosphere which was the spirit of Bexhill.