Tenby’s new Mayor said that his journey to being installed as the town’s 627th first citizen, was as unlikely as his native Leicester City lifting the Premier League trophy, when he was officially sworn in for the role last week.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall, one of St. Mary’s Church’s ‘Soupermen’, told his colleagues at Friday’s Mayor-making ceremony that it was a “huge honour” to don the scarlet robes of office for the first time.

“I’ve looked at the people who have filled the role previously and will work hard to be worthy of the position,” he said.

Born in the West Midlands in 1968, Clr. Blackhall’s professional career was working in services for children and families, and he lived, studied and worked all over the UK, before moving to Tenby, a place with which he has had a lifelong association, having spent many years of his life holidaying in the resort.

In 1993, he was appointed director of childcare in Walsall, and five years later became the youngest head of Early Years for the town’s council and tasked with creating one of the first integrated education and social care early years teams in the UK.

Clr. Blackhall was seconded to work for the Department of Education in 2000, in Whitehall, as an advisor on early years education, launching a flagship £600m nursery programme, which later evolved into Children’s Centres.

At the ceremony, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown said that she was “delighted” to propose Clr. Blackhall for the position of Mayor, stating that he “tirelessly strives to make the town a better place to live in.”

As part of the ‘Soupermen’ catering team at St. Mary’s Church, a warden at the harbourside church of St. Julian’s, a member of the town’s regeneration and Christmas festivities committees, and also having immense involvement with the De Valence Pavilion, she was sure he would be a “success” as Tenby’s First Citizen.

The proposal was seconded by Clr. Mike Evans, who remarked that his fellow councillor and friend had brought “energy and honesty” in his time on the town council, and would often come out with a result when taking on tasks for the town.

Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane was elected as Deputy Mayor, with Clr. Blackhall explaining that she was a great ambassador for the town and a “great person to have by your side.”

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter and Clr. Mrs. Kerri Durham gave a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, Clr. Paul Rapi, for his year in office, which they said he had carried out with “due diligence and dignity,” despite starting the term in a wheelchair after breaking his leg while playing football on the beach with his children!

Clr. Blackhall said it had a been a pleasure being around the council table for meetings with Clr. Rapi in the chair, a role he had delivered with great “humour and warmth,” qualities which he hoped he too could bring to the chamber for the forthcoming year.

Clr. Rapi mentioned that he had had a memorable time as Mayor, and would never forget occasions such as travelling on the town’s RNLI lifeboat, welcoming the Ironman finishers across the line, and also patting a rhino on the head at Folly Farm!

“It’s such a nice job being Mayor of Tenby, the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire, and I’ve met some fantastic people along the way. It’s quite special and the people of Tenby are very special too. I will cherish the year I’ve had,” he commented.

Re-appointed as Sergeant at Arms was John Morgan, with Ernie Vokes as Sergeant at Mace, Teifion Powell as Town Crier, and Canon Andrew Grace appointed as the Mayor’s chaplain during his year in office.

Installed as Mayoress was Clr. Blackhall’s partner, Ms Samantha Skyrme, while Clr. Mrs. Lane’s daughter, Miss Sian Waters, was appointed to serve as Deputy Mayoress.

During the civic reception that followed in the De Valence Pavilion, a toast was raised to the Mayor and town of Tenby by Mrs. Ruth Webb.

The new Mayor responded by explaining he was passionate about the community venue that was the De Valence and that ‘Tenby United’ would very much be his theme for the year, with an emphasis on promoting and celebrating volunteering in the town.

“It’s been a journey to being here as Mayor as unlikely as Leicester City FC winning the Premier League!” he joked, before thanking the community of Tenby and also his ‘Soupermen’ family for welcoming him and his relatives into the town.

“Perhaps there will be more compromises for the greater good, so our challenge for the coming year is to come together and work more closely with our friends across Pembrokeshire in tight financial times.

“I hope we can - celebrate, contribute and promote, and ensure we stay Tenby United,” added Clr. Blackhall, before nominating Hafal and Tenby RNLI as his two charities for the year.

Clr. Mrs. Lane gave a toast to the guests and Clr. Blackhall’s sister, Mrs. Clare Smith, responded.

The civic service will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, on September 25, it was announced.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography