At the AGM of Pembroke Town Council last week, Clr. Linda Asman became the 642nd Mayor of Pembroke, with Clr. Jonathan Nutting announced as Deputy Mayor.
“This is a historic occasion as I can claim to be the first Mayor of Pembroke to take office by zoom! But I do hope this state of affairs will not last too much longer and look forward to when we can meet again in the Town Hall,” remarked the new Mayor.
“Covid has changed us all in so many ways and changed our way of doing things.
“Two years ago we would be having a mayor making ceremony following this meeting but here we are today conducting business over the Internet.
“So change is forced upon us – but why have this celebration when taking office? It is easy to make speeches and say what one intends to do.
“Actions speak louder than words - perhaps we should hold such an event at the end of a Mayor’s term, when achievements can be celebrated.
“When relaxation of the rules allow, I am hoping to be able to do just that to properly thank our outgoing mayor Clr. Gareth Jones for his extended term as Mayor during these difficult times,” she continued.
“This will take place at an event I intend organising for Pembroke’s volunteers, a volunteers’ evening in honour of Clr. Rose Blackburn to thank her for the many years she has been Town Crier.
“A tremendous commitment to this town, which needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. This would also be an occasion for handing over the bell to Gareth – who qualifies as Town Crier for having quite the loudest voice on the Council!”
Clr. Asman went onto say that she became a town councillor 13 years ago, as she wanted to make a difference and during that time, has tried to do just that.
“I am passionate about this town of Pembroke and, since returning to Pembroke to live some 16 years ago, I have made it something of a mission to promote this town’s amazing heritage,” she said.
“I co founded and chair the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society and have worked closely with the Town Council to develop heritage projects including - Pembroke Museum, town trails and Henry Tudor statue.
“A statue of William Marshal is currently taking shape and I hope ultimately Pembroke will have a arts trail.
“I believe Pembroke’s future lies in exploiting its past heritage and that is why I have been such an advocate for the Henry Tudor Centre – which I am delighted to see materialising. What a wonderful thing for our town! Exciting times lie ahead.
“But I am also concerned for my ward of Pembroke St Mary’s North, working with the Community group, Green Park Pembroke to develop the play park.
“I feel strongly that not enough is done for the children and young people of this town. I have therefore chosen this as my Mayor’s charity and, although last year I was unable to take office because of Covid, I have been working with the group to raise the necessary funding.
The playpark and the William Marshal statue are two projects I hope to see completed during this year.
“As the 642nd Mayor of Pembroke, I promise you that I will be proactive throughout my year of office, organising events and raising money for community projects - this is what I will to do with the prominence that the role of Mayor will give me,” added Clr. Asman.
New Deputy Mayor, Clr. Nutting went on to say: “I see my job as Deputy Mayor of Pembroke as a great honour for myself and my family.
“My main role this year will be to support Linda and make sure she has a highly successful year as mayor
“I fully agree with her that we must improve the town so it is better place for the people who call it home. We are guardians of a significant historical town of which we are all proud. Our role is to protect as well as add to its beauty and what it offers.
“Employment opportunities within the town for our young people etc will be one of the priority areas I hope to promote.
“We have an exciting period ahead coming out of the Covid restrictions and the progress of the South Quay Development and Henry VII Centre. These are significant times and will set the towns future development for years to come.
“Primarily as a place for our residents but also for our visitors to admire, enjoy and spend their money,” he added.
At Pembroke Dock Town Council’s AGM last week, the town’s new Mayor and Deputy were also installed.
The new Mayor, Clr. Terry Judkins commented: “Very proud to have taken the office of Mayor for Pembroke Dock - hopefully we have a busy year ahead of us” whilst new Deputy, Clr. Josh Beynon remarked: “It is the honour of a lifetime to be elected the Deputy Mayor of Pembroke Dock for the year 2021/22.
“I will do everything I can to move Pembroke Dock forward to be a more inclusive, equal and fair place to all those who live, work and visit here.”