THE 24th Mayor of Waverley was installed on Tuesday, as David Inman inherited the red robe and regalia vacated by Jacquie Keen. At this year's annual council meeting, Mr Inman took on the non-political ambassadorial role, which will see him representing Waverley Borough Council at numerous engagements, as well as chairing its council meetings throughout the next year. "It is my pleasure to thank many people for my being here today - I feel very humbled given the previous list of distinguished Waverley mayors," he told the assembled councillors." After thanking representatives from Waverley's political parties, Mr Inman paid tribute to his family members in attendance, and also to those able to harness modern technology. "My two teenage children threatened to look at the webcast on their laptops, so they may be at boarding school, having a giggle," he said. "One has some great friends, and not necessarily on the same party, which is one of the many delightful things about this council. "We have a lot of challenging things ahead. That means a lot of difficult decisions - we've got East Street, Cranleigh Brick and Tile and Dunsfold Aerodrome. I look very much forward to being your mayor for this year." A resident of the parish of Alford, Mr Inman represents the ward of Chiddingfold and Dunsfold. He is married to Patsy, and the couple have two sons, aged 16 and 17. Mr Inman also has four children by his first wife, who died in 1986. During his year of office, the mayor has chosen to support the charity HASTE - the Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour. HASTE is a Waverley-based charity which aims to facilitate the prevention, early detection and treatment of heart disease and strokes. Meanwhile, councillor John Sandy paid tribute to outgoing mayor Jacquie Keen, who attended more than 400 public engagements in the past 12 months. "You developed your caring approach from your time as a nurse in Milford Hospital, and you have represented all of us with vigour and dignity," he told her. "You have created a special place in people's hearts as a direct result of your enthusiasm, and the staff in Waverley have become very fond of you with your cheery smile and comments to all in the office. "You raised the wonderful sum of £8,000 for your chosen charities. You have had an outstanding year and we would like to say the most heartfelt thanks to a job well done." The new deputy mayor of Waverley is Andrew Rayner JP. He is the ward member for Godalming Central and Ockford, and was elected in May 2003. He has worked in various roles in the engineering industry before changing career in the 1970s to become a local government officer in London. He has also been actively involved in campaigning for health service improvements in Guildford and Waverley. Mr Rayner is married to Joy, and the couple have four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
