NEW TOWN MAYOR HAS FAMILY LINKS WITH BRIGG GOING BACK TO 17TH CENTURY

 

One of the best-known residents of Brigg has been elected Town Mayor to serve as our community’s first citizen for the next 12 months, until May 2017.

Coun Ann Eardley (pictured above), who lives on the Newlands estate, was a very popular choice, as demonstrated by the large turn-out of friends, family and members of the public who attended to see her installed at the Angel Suite on Monday evening.

In her acceptance speech, Coun Eardley said she felt honoured, having been member of Brigg Town Council for almost 30 years.

Born into the Stothard family which has connections with this area going back to the 1600s, she was very proud of Brigg and particularly the way it has developed since the regeneration project.

Stressing that she enjoyed helping townsfolk to resolve their problems, the new Town Mayor said Brigg was on a high and she called on everyone to work hard to keep it so.

Coun Eardley, who was Deputy Town Mayor 2015/16, has been a tireless supporter of local causes over many years, including the Poppy Appeal, St John Ambulance, the Donkey Action Group and as a distributor of the Brigg Matters newsletter.

Her Appeal Fund over the coming 12 months will help the Air Ambulance, the Royal Artillery Association and Brigg First Responders.

Father Owain Mitchell, of St John’s Church, Vicar of Brigg, will be the Town Mayor’s Chaplain.

Having signed the Declaration of Acceptance, Coun Eardley then chaired the remainder of the Town Council’s annual meeting.

She had been proposed by Coun Nigel Sherwood, whose motion was seconded by Coun Sheila Boughey, the voting by councillors being unanimous.

Coun Sharon Riggall – one of the newest members of the Town Council - was then elected Deputy Town Mayor and took her seat on the top table, alongside Coun Eardley, the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk.

Coun Riggall was proposed for the post of Deputy Town Mayor by Coun Donald Campbell, whose motion was seconded by Coun Rob Waltham – Coun Riggall’s brother.

Coun Sharon Riggall,  the new Deputy Town Mayor of Brigg.

Retiring Brigg Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny congratulating his successor, Coun Ann Eardley

Brigg Town Council members (nearest camera) with members of the public in the packed gallery.

Coun Eardley signing the declaration of acceptance to become Brigg Town Mayor.