It's all change as a new Mayor and Deputy are elected.
Cllr Mrs Sue Bell was last night elected as the new mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, taking over from Cllr Roger Roud, for who she has served as deputy for the past year.
Cllr Mrs Bell represents Snodland East and Ham Hill ward and is currently the chair of Snodland Town Council and Snodland Partnership. As a borough councillor she sits on various committees at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and is really looking forward to her year as Mayor of the borough.
Sue and her family have lived in Snodland for many years. She has seen numerous changes, such as the building of Holborough Lakes and Peters Bridge, and loves that Snodland has always remained a vibrant town with an amazing sense of community. She finds the history of Snodland fascinating and appreciates the beauty of the local area, in particular the North Downs and Leybourne Lakes.
Sue’s previous careers have included working at a local secondary school and teaching fitness locally for more than 36 years. Alongside fitness, her hobbies include studying history, particularly around the Victorian era, theatre and the arts, visits to historical houses and she enjoys a spot of gardening. She is also a lover of animals, in particular dogs, cats, and donkeys.
On taking up her role, Cllr Mrs Bell said: ‘I want to thank Roger Roud for his dedication in the role of Mayor over what has been an interesting year as we emerged from the pandemic restrictions. I am very much looking forward to the year ahead, serving the residents of Tonbridge and Malling. I am proud to be supporting Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Community in my mayoral duties, an organisation that raises awareness of the condition and encourages local businesses to become dementia friendly.’
The Deputy Mayor for the coming year is Cllr James Lark, who represents Medway ward.