Market Drayton’s new mayor took up the chain of office this week – with his father watching on.
Councillor Roger Smith was confirmed as mayor in succession to Councillor Roy Aldcroft during a meeting last Thursday at the town hall, where a portrait of his father Bert Smith hangs.
Councillor Smith, 65, was joined by his wife Margaret and other family members to see him follow in his father’s footsteps.
Bert Smith, who died in 1989, became Market Drayton’s first mayor in 1974 and held the office again in 1979 when he was also awarded the MBE for services to the community.
Councillor Smith said: “I feel very proud and privileged to have the honour of being made mayor of the town and following in my late father’s footsteps.
“The people of Market Drayton thought the world of him and he would do anything for anybody, no matter who they were.
“One of my father’s wishes before he died was for either myself or my brother to take on the mantle of being a town councillor because of what he had given to the town.
“It took me a long time to think about it but I decided that because my father had made the request, I ought to have a go and carry it out.”
Councillor Smith, who has two sons and two grandsons, was first elected onto the town council in October 2004 and was made an honorary townsman in April 2009 for his outstanding contribution to Market Drayton.
He is also watch manager at Market Drayton Fire Station and is the longest serving fireman in Shropshire with a total of 44 years’ service.
Councillor Smith said: “I’ve enjoyed being a town councillor very much, even though it’s been a challenge and there has been a lot to learn.
“I look forward to a challenging 12 months ahead in serving both the town council and the people of Market Drayton to the best of my ability in my role as mayor.”
Councillor Smith confirmed that his three chosen charities for the year will be Macmillan Nurses, Asthma UK and Market Drayton Mencap.
He will be joined by new deputy mayor Councillor Kath Brown who has been a town councillor for almost four years.
She said: “I am pleased to be given this honour and I will do my best to help Roger in any way that I can.”
By Winston Brown