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Richmond’s New Mayor (27 May 2010)
A councillor who has carried out the role of Richmond’s town crier has been elected as the new Mayor.
Coun Barry Heap, 68, received the mayoral chains of office at the annual mayor making ceremony at the Town Hall on Monday evening. He takes over from the previous mayor Coun David Gilson.
Coun Heap, who has only been a member of the council for 2 years, was elected mayor in a secret ballot in February. He will be no stranger to the ceremonial robes though as he has enjoyed the position of town crier of Richmond.
Born in Cheshire, he first came to the area in 1970 and now lives in Richmond with his wife, Carol. He was inspired to join the council after working as a tour guide around Richmond’s historic sites and in the summer months can be seen dressed up as a Victorian policeman showing tourists around the town.
Counc Heap said: “I joined the town council because I wanted to be able to put forward some of the knowledge I have of the town and some of the general life experience I have gained into the town.”
He hopes to be able to continue his duties as town crier throughout his year long term of office.
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