New mayor Stuart vows to champion disabled access

Cllr Wood announced his intention after accepting office at Monday evening’s traditional Town Hall mayor-making ceremony, writes John Dowling.

The Town’s Charter Trustees, Bexhill councillors on Rother District Council, had planned for the Liberal Democrat to become Deputy Mayor to Tory group member Gillian Wheeler.

He has stepped up a place following Gillian’s defeat at the May 5 district elections, with former Town Mayor, Conservative Cllr Joanne Gadd, as his Deputy for the coming year.

Cllr Wood told his fellow Charter Trustees and guests: “Because of my work with the disabled when I was in charge of Oakhaven, a holiday home for the disabled, I would like to help the disabled of Bexhill.

“Due to the short time from the elections and my sudden nomination to Mayor, I have not been able to finalise my chosen charity.

“My wish is to work on better access for the disabled in Bexhill with one of the disabled charities. This will give benefit to all age groups.”

Earlier he had invited talented mouth-and-foot artist Tom Yendall as his special guest.

He explained how they had worked together in the 1980s on the Year of the Disabled committee to promote better awareness of the needs of disabled people and to put on a De La Warr Pavilion exhibition.

Setting mayor-making in historical context, he said that similar ceremonies were taking place across the country, including Rye where the tradition of throwing hot pennies was being upheld.

Cllr Wood’s Dutch-born wife Romanie will serve as his Mayoress where possible.

The ceremony had opened on a note of sadness with outgoing Town Mayor Cllr Jimmy Carroll inviting Charter Trustees and guests to stand in silent tribute to former Town Mayor Clive Butchers, who died last Thursday.

PICTURED: Town Mayor Stuart Wood. PICTURE BY STEVE HUNNISETT