“An immense honour and privilege,” is how Councillor Alan Earwaker described the opportunity for him to be the Mayor of Farnham for a second year, at the mayor making ceremony on 12 May.

The annual mayor-making ceremony is the official process which sees the mayor confirmed into office. Councillor Earwaker agreed to take on the role for a second year running alongside Councillor Michaela Wicks as the deputy mayor who was also invited to continue her role for a second year.

“My mission as Mayor, working alongside the whole council, is to do whatever I can to help support residents and businesses working together to revive our thriving community in this wonderful award-winning town,” said Councillor Earwaker. 

For the benefit of continuity, he will extend his mayoral theme of working together with the community to revive Farnham, to a second year. As much of his first mayoral year was affected by COVID restrictions, fundraising activities were restricted and so he has also opted to continue to support his two chosen charities of Farnham ASSIST and Waverley Abbey Trust. 

Farnham ASSIST is a Christian charity that supports older people in the Farnham area who live alone, are housebound or caring for others. “One of the highlights of last year was encouraging older residents to become more active by encouraging them to complete a collective marathon of 26.2 miles around Gostrey Meadow. Their efforts raised over £500,” said the Mayor.

Waverley Abbey Trust is working with English Heritage to expand access to the site of the abbey ruins and restore Waverley Abbey House to its Georgian glory. Waverley Abbey House is home to Waverley Abbey College, which trains people to become counsellors, coaches and mentors.

The Mayor will be supported by his daughter, Claire Earwaker dos Reis, who will be the Mayoress. To invite the Mayor to an event or opening, submit a request through the Farnham Town Council website.

Following the recent resignation of Councillor John Neale as Leader of the Council, councillors also appointed Councillor David Beaman and Councillor Pat Evans as Joint Leaders of the Council for 2022/23 only. The joint appointment recognises the time it takes to run the town’s day-to-day affairs and the need to ensure the Council’s views are represented at the Board of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme which is at an important stage.