COUNCILLOR Sheila Kimmins was elected as the new mayor of Westbury for 2021 – 2022 at the annual town council meeting last week. Cllr Ward Jones was elected deputy mayor.
Cllr Sheila Kimmins said, “It’s an honour and I do appreciate that my colleagues have put their faith in me and they feel I will represent them to the best of my ability.
“I love meeting people and talking with different people – you learn so much. I’m looking forward to meeting the people of Westbury and the people of the villages.”
Cllr Kimmins’ nominated charity is Carers Support Wiltshire. She said, “We have all cared for somebody, sometimes without realising it, for example, we have the key to our elderly neighbour’s house and go round to help them out.
“The carer needs support – for somebody to go and sit with the person they are caring for a couple of hours so they can have some time to themselves. It’s so necessary.”
New deputy mayor, cllr Ward Jones said, “I am deeply appreciative of the support offered by my fellow councillors in nominating and appointing me as deputy mayor. It is a privilege to be part of a town council which is not dominated by petty party politics.
“I hope to make a useful contribution to working for a better Westbury and look forward to working with and supporting all those in our wider community who seek to achieve the same outcome.”
A council spokesperson said, “On Monday 17th May the town council met face-to-face for the first time since March 2020. The first item on the agenda was to elect the chair of the council and cllr Sheila Kimmins was duly nominated and elected.
“In Westbury, the chair of the council is also the mayor who attends civic events and supports local charities and organisations. The mayor will nominate her chosen charity and spend the year helping to raise funds for this charity.
“This was followed by the election of the vice-chair and deputy mayor, cllr Ward Jones.
“Both Sheila and Ward are hard working and committed to improving the lives of Westbury residents.”
