A new Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling was appointed last night (14 May) at a special ceremony ahead of the annual council meeting.
Cllr Steve Hammond stepped up to the role, taking over from Cllr James Lark, for whom he has served as deputy for the past year.
Cllr Hammond said: ‘I want to thank James Lark and his wife, Jill, for their very busy year in the role of Mayor and Mayoress, and their tireless work for the borough’s residents of all ages. I am very much looking forward to the year ahead, serving the residents of Tonbridge and Malling.
‘I am extremely proud to be supporting Royal British Legion Industries in my mayoral duties, an organisation that is a national veterans charity supporting the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed, and without whose support I would not be here today.’
The Deputy Mayor for the coming year is Cllr Chris Brown, who represents the Kings Hill ward.
In the same meeting, two former borough councillors, Jill Anderson, and Nicolas Heslop – who was also former Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Council – and 220 Medical Squadron, were conferred the honour of Freemen of the Borough.
Mayor James Lark presented certificates to Jill Anderson, Nicolas Heslop and Commanding Officer Joanne Cook, on behalf of 220 Medical Squadron, at the ceremony where he was joined by their colleagues and friends to congratulate them on their new titles.
The title of Honorary Freeman is the highest award that the council can bestow on someone. Rarely awarded, it is conferred upon local people who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough.