The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans, has handed over the role to Councillor Alan Earwaker after two years as Mayor.

The Mayor is usually elected for a one-year term but when COVID hit the UK and the 2020 Annual Town Meeting was postponed in line with government restrictions, Councillor Evans agreed to continue in the role for a further year.

On 20 May, Councillors elected Councillor Earwaker as the new town mayor and Councillor Michaela Wicks as the deputy at the 2021 Annual Council Meeting. They will both hold the role for the usual term of one year.

Councillor John Ward, who proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring mayor, says: “Councillor Evans has very ably carried out the Mayor’s duties for the last two years during which time she has raised funds for two fantastic local charities, space2grow and Hale Community Centre.

“No doubt, it was not the mayoralty that Councillor Evans expected when she took on the role in May 2019, but she has been an excellent supporter of the town during a very challenging time. Despite lockdowns and social distancing, Councillor Evans has worked very hard to bring the town together and keep up people’s spirits while supporting her chosen charities.”

Cllr Earwaker, on taking up his new role said he was honoured to have the opportunity of serving as Mayor of Farnham and looked forward to supporting the community in the year ahead. During the mayoral year, as well as being the Town’s first citizen, and impartial chair of Council, the mayor usually takes part in numerous fundraising social activities and events to raise money for his or her charity.

Over the next year, Councillor Earwaker will support and raise money for Waverley Abbey Trust and Farnham Assist.