HARRY CRAGG, the new Lord Mayor of Canterbury, has promised to do his best for the district’s community and voluntary groups.
The Conservative who represents St Stephen’s replaced his party colleague Carolyn Parry during the annual mayor-making ceremony at the Guildhall on Wednesday evening.
He said: “Despite the economic difficulties the district faces, my wife Sheila and I involved with numerous charities and voluntary groups in the area.
“I want to be an approachable Lord Mayor and I want people to tell me if they could use my help.”
Outgoing mayor Cllr Parry described her time in office as “absolutely amazing".
She said: “Everything from the places I’ve been to things I have done, from visiting brownies to the Lambeth conference, have been amazing.”
Cllr Cragg, who was elected Lord Mayor unopposed, was leader of the council from 2005 to 2007 and was the Tory group leader when the party was in opposition to the Lib Dem/Labour alliance.
Until last week, he had been the council’s member for culture and sport under the leadership of John Gilbey.
The retired scientist and university lecturer added: “Canterbury, in this country, is second only to London in worldwide importance.
“To those who live here, and our many visitors, the district offers a magnificent experience ranging from the Reculver Towers to Bell Harry tower at the Cathedral and Whitstable harbour and oysters to the rural areas and charming villages.”
Sheila Cragg has chosen the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal and Age Concern as the Lady Mayoress’s charities for the coming 12 months.
The evening also saw the election of the Sheriff of Canterbury, the deputy to the Lord Mayor.
Tory Gabrielle Davis, who defeated Lib Dem Michael Berridge to the role, said she was “speechless” at being elected.
“I’m so immensely proud to be sheriff of this historic city,” the Reculver councillor said.