FARNHAM’S new Mayor, Mike Hodge, has chosen two local charities to support during his year in office, the Woodlarks Centre and Brightwells Gostrey Community Centre.

Mr Hodge officially became Mayor on Thursday, last week, following his nomination by Pat Frost, who described him as very community minded and someone who devotes as much time and attention, as he can, to local matters and everything Farnham.

“I know he will be an excellent ambassador to the town and its villages,” she added.

He takes over from John Ward who received a warm vote of thanks from Carole Cockburn.

Born and educated in Surrey, Mr Hodge represents the community in Hale and Heath End both on Farnham Town Council and as a borough councillor at Waverley.

Proud and delighted at his nomination, he said: “It is such an honour to be elected as town mayor and I am humbled that you would put your faith and trust in me.

“This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I will endeavour to represent the town of Farnham and its people to the best of my ability. I will work hard to demonstrate to others what wonderful place Farnham is and how much we have to offer as a town.

“Farnham is not just a town centre. It is surrounded by the most wonderful villages that have their own unique identities and character and it is the combination of them all that makes Farnham the very special community that it is.”

The new mayor has chosen the Woodlarks Centre, a care home and activity centre in Farnham, as one of his charities because of the valuable support it provides to people with disabilities.

His brother, who has a disability, has greatly enjoyed time spent at the centre and the adjacent Woodlarks campsite. Mr Hodge hopes he can help raise its profile and that more people will benefit from its facilities as a result of his support as mayor.

In his time as a town councillor, Mr Hodge has been impressed with the work that Brightwells Gostrey Community Centre does for older people in the community so he has selected it as his second charity. 2017 promises to be a milestone in the history of the Gostrey Centre as it moves to the Memorial Hall in West Street.

His professional background is in the civil service, having travelled the developing world for the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food looking for new business opportunities for the UK agricultural sector, and later with the Department of Work and Pensions as its strategic events manager.

Mr Hodge will be supported by his consort Julia Potts during the year. The deputy mayor is David Attfield.

The mayoral year runs from May 2017 to May 2018 – to invite the Mayor to an event email [email protected] or call 01252 712667.

Over in Godalming, Simon Inchbald was voted in as the new Mayor of Waverley, with the full support of his fellow councillors.

He was first elected in 2007 to represent the ward of Chiddingfold and Dunsfold and has been a key member of the council’s licensing committee, serving as both deputy chairman and chairman.

In his acceptance speech, he said: “This role is about service to the community and I look forward to serving the whole of the community, from small children to the elderly.”

His wife Rosie will be mayoress and together they will represent the borough at civic and ceremonial events.

Mr Inchbald has selected the Meath Epilepsy charity – which offers accommodation, support services, learning and training opportunities, as well as sports and leisure activities, that all help its clients achieve the lifestyle they wish for themselves – to support over his mayoral year.

He added: “The charity does amazing work, encouraging and nurturing people living with complex epilepsy. Through its projects, such as a furniture restoration workshop and the art house, residents grow their talents and skills.”

The deputy mayor for 2017/18 is Denise Le Gal.