THE newly-elected Mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Carol Bunday, has spoken of the honour of taking office as the town prepares to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Cllr Bunday, a long-serving member of the Town Council, was appointed this week.

It is her second time in the chair.

She took over from Cllr Mike Joyce, whose year in the post – which began with a virtual appointment owing to pandemic restrictions – has been marked by the council’s increased efforts to tackle issues such as street cleaning and developing partnership working with community groups.

‘What a year it has been, I couldn’t be more proud of our town council and my colleagues, both staff and members, who do so much for Newton Abbot,’ he said.

‘It will be a time in my life that will never be forgotten and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity.’

Cllr Bunday received the chain of office in a ceremony at Newton’s Place, the first of its kind to be held in the council’s new location.

She pledged to work for the town, its residents and business community, at a time of increasing social change, recovery from the pandemic and international tensions.

‘We live in challenging times which is why we must all do everything in our gift to ensure that we never lose sight of the light on the horizon,’ she said.

‘One thing the town council can do in this respect is to arrange some wonderful events to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

‘On June 2 we’ll start with a proclamation from our Town Crier at 2pm by St Leonard’s Tower and then at 9.45pm we’ll be lighting the beacons at Highweek, Buckland and Wolborough.

‘On Saturday, June 4, we’ll have live musical performances in the town centre throughout the day then on Sunday June 5 our Party in the Park will offer an afternoon of free family entertainment.

‘Courtenay Park will host a royal-themed band concert with Spectrum Music, we’ll have a magician, face painting, balloon modelling, family craft workshops, giveaways, magic bubbles and a Jubilee selfie frame.

‘Cocktails, food and a drinks bar will also be available.

‘I cannot think of a better way to begin my term of office and am incredibly honoured to serve as Mayor during this most special of years.’

Full programme details are available at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.