Michael Clarke and his wife Maria became Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s new Mayor and Mayoress on Monday evening (May 10th).
The couple, pictured here, were chosen by town councillors when Derick and Christine Cooper’s year in the posts came to an end.
Burnham-On-Sea.com spoke to the couple about their aims for the year ahead.
“It is a great honour to be chosen as Mayor and Mayoress – we’re looking forward to a very busy and active year,” Michael told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
Michael works as a manager at Pontins in Brean and Maria is a team manager at a care and residential home in Axbridge.
“We hope to meet as many of the community – young and old – in Burnham and Highbridge and also raise a good amount for local groups and charities by holding and attending various events over the next year,” added Maria.
The couple live in Boniface Walk in Burnham and have been married for 15 years. They have helped several local charities in recent years through Michael’s involvement with the Masons.
Outgoing Mayor Derick and Mayoress Christine Cooper were thanked for all their work during the past year. Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton told Monday’s meeting: “They have had an exceptional year and have performed their duties with great dignity and been wonderful ambassadors for Burnham and Highbridge.”
And Derick added: “We’d both like to thank the residents of the towns for a wonderful year – we’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
The new Mayor and Mayoress with Deputy Mayor Pauline Pollard and Second Deputy Mayor Janet Keen
Outgoing Mayor Derick Cooper was thanked for his hard work over the past year
The outgoing Mayoress was presented with a bouquet of flowers
