Sidley grocer dons chain as town mayor

Jimmy Carroll, Rother District Councillor for Sidley, was voted in at the town hall in a meeting of the Charter Trustees of Bexhill on Tuesday.

And the local man who runs a greengrocer's on Ninfield Road named the people of Sidley as his charity of the year, saying he would concentrate on helping young and ddeprived families.

"I will do all I can to uphold the dignity of the mayor's office," said Cllr Carroll, of Manchester Road, Ninfield. "I feel extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to serve the town which I love and am extremely proud of.

"Everyone is very aware that I and my family are about the people of Sidley. So I have decided to make my charity one that will cover them all."

Tributes were paid to the outgoing mayor, Cllr Bridget George, who said she had attended 140 events in the past year, and found each one "delightful".

Leading a vote of thanks, Cllr Deirdre Williams praised her sincerity and "calm and gentle manner".

Cllr George said: "The age range of those I have met has been from 100-year-old birthdays to pre-school play groups.

"Each event, be it large or small, has given me treasured memories."

Cllr Gillian Wheeler, of Collington ward, was elected deputy town mayor.

A second ceremony on Monday saw Cllr Robert Elliston elected as chairman of RDC, taking over from outgoing chair Cllr Martin Mooney.

Cllr Elliston, of Ticehurst and Etchingham ward, said there were hazards attached to the role.

"The last member from Rye to occupy this seat was unelected at the subsequent election. Rother is a wonderful, feisty place and you never know what's going to happen next."

Standing down, Cllr Mooney called chairman a "rather special office," adding: "you see a part of your district that you don't often get the chance to see.

"I'm rather very proud of Bexhill. There are so many things going on in the town."

He singled out his speech to Indian Ocean race winners the Oarsome Foursome as a particular highlight of his term.

Cllr Carl Maynard, of Brede Valley ward, was re-elected as leader of the council, and for the first time, RDC published specific portfolios for their cabinet.

To view the responsiblities the eight cabinet members hold, visit the cabinet section of RDC's website at www.rother.gov.uk