Abingdon welcomes new mayor in annual ceremony

Councillor Gwyneth Lewis was elected to the position at the annual meeting of Abingdon Town Council on May 15.

She received her mayoral robes and chain of office, before making a short speech.

READ MORE: Car hit by train at level crossing near Oxford

The position of deputy mayor was awarded to Councillor Gabby Barody.

Several awards were handed out at the meeting by out-going mayor Councillor Andy Foulsham.

Last year, the Town Council held a biodiversity competition which invited schools and colleges in Abingdon to let them know how they were actively promoting biodiversity.

The top prize was awarded to Cothill House School on Cothill Road.

Awards were also given to those who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community of Abingdon-on-Thames.

They were presented to Hilary Beale for coordinating and managing Abingdon Food Bank and services to Girlguiding in the town.

John Killick received an award for supporting green projects and so did Paul Shipman for services to Scouting in Abingdon.

Atom Festival was also acknowledged for promoting interest and education in science.

The role of mayor has a strong emphasis on charitable donations.

At the meeting the amount that the outgoing mayor had raised for his nominated charities was announced.

Mr Foulsham raised a total of £4,000 for the Archway Project and Yellow Submarine.