THE HEAD of Thornbury in Bloom has taken the chains of office as the town’s new mayor.

Former deputy mayor Cllr Guy Rawlinson was voted in by fellow leaders on Tuesday, May 6.

Bob Griffin, who is already involved with many of the council’s committees, took up the deputy position.

Thornbury’s new mayor said he had enjoyed his first official engagement at Thornbury Arts Festival, marking the 25th anniversary of the Thornbury Eisteddfod.

“It’s just about sunk in,” he said. “I’m beginning to get into the swing of it.

“I’ve been a councillor now for seven years, so I am entering the last year of service of my second term.

“Becoming mayor is a nice way to mark that.”

He said he was looking forward to chairing the council and leading the town’s green agenda, which he has a special interest in as chairman of Thornbury in Bloom.

He took up this leading role last year after sitting on the In Bloom committee for six years.

Mr Rawlinson also previously chaired the town’s environment committee for two years, where he was instrumental in resolving the shortage of public loos in Thornbury by introducing a community toilet project.

He also helped the town save energy by campaigning to roll out a part-night lighting scheme and worked with the local authority to produce a map of Thornbury’s dropped kerbs.

He replaces outgoing mayor Pam Shipp, who took over from Phyllida Parsloe in 2013 after serving as deputy mayor.

She said she had very much enjoyed her service over the past year.

“I had lots of outings and met lots of nice people, most of whom were volunteers,” she told the Gazette. “I never thought I’d do anything like this in my life.

“Thanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity.”

She remains on the council and said she expects to stand for re-election again next year.