Tenby’s new mayor has said that she will do all that she can to help the people of the town and support the resort’s businesses during this challenging time.

At Tuesday night’s remote meeting of Tenby Town Council, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall was officially sworn in as mayor at the AGM.

The town council chose their new Mayor-elect back in February, with Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall elected to don the scarlet robes of office for the first time, and fly the flag for the town.

However with the pandemic hitting, and the country being placed into lockdown in March, the planned Mayor-making ceremony scheduled to take place on May 15 at the De Valence Pavilion was scrapped.

Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall who is the daughter of David and Sylvia Skyrme, was born in Tenby and has lived here all of her life.

She joined the town council in 2017, and previously served as Mayoress during her husband Clr. Laurence Blackhall’s Mayoral year in 2016.

She has four children - Gabriella, Anya, Jasmine and Lewis, and works at Tavernspite School as a teaching assistant. Previously she has worked for a local accountants and as a singer; and is a long-standing member of St. Mary’s Church Choir and active in all aspects of the Church.

Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall is passionate about supporting Tenby, its people and its businesses. This must be a family trait. Her grandfather, David Phelps, was a highly respected local businessman who was president of the Chamber of Trade and co-founded Tenby AFC amongst many other community activities.

On Tuesday, she started her term in office by thanking the outgoing Mayor, Clr. Tony Brown, for all that he has done over the past year.

“Well, this is not how it was supposed to be - a very different Mayor-Making, but can I thank councillors for their kindness and support. This is a huge honour and today I am truly Tenby’s proudest daughter!” stated Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall.

“This is a very challenging time. A daunting time for many. As lockdown restrictions change, there is huge anxiety for people living in the town. We understand that and our priority as a council is always our own - protecting their welfare and shielding the vulnerable. But we have to remember that that are many aspects to this current situation.

“Tenby is the best holiday destination in the world. This is our business and what we are about. Our businesses must be able to function properly or they will not survive the winter.

“I want to applaud all businesses that have helped people during the crisis. They have been there to support us. Now is the time for us to support them - so remember - shop local,” she continued.

“This town relies on tourism - it provides income, creates jobs and keeps our town prosperous. And tourism is a partnership between the town and our visitors.

“So my message to people who want to visit our beautiful town is please respect the guidelines, social distancing and please respect this place. You come here because this is a beautiful place. Help us to keep it beautiful.

“Our town has been doing its utmost to protect and support our community. We welcome you and we know that you love Tenby just as much as we do.

“For everybody, now is not a time to be complacent and we also have to learn to live with this virus.

“The year ahead will be different. But it will all be about Tenby; its community and its people. And as we look ahead positively I give you fair warning…we are going to town on supporting our town!”

“It is an honour and a privilege to become Mayor of Tenby. I will do all that I can to help the people of our Town. If I can contribute a small proportion of what my grandfather achieved for Tenby then that will be a success,” added Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall.

At the meeting, Clr. Mrs. Tracey Evans also accepted the position of Deputy Mayor for the coming year, with Clr. Laurence Blackhall to be Mayor’s Consort, and Clr. Mrs. Evans’ daughter Saffron to be Deputy Mayoress.

John Morgan was appointed as Sergeant at Arms; and Denise Cousins as Sergeant at Mace; whilst Jim Cornwell was installed as Town Crier; and Canon Andrew Grace as Mayor’s Chaplain.