DUNSTABLE and Houghton Regis have two new first citizens, following ‘mayor-making’ ceremonies in both towns.
The 2012/2013 mayors are now already hard at work as proud ambassadors for their areas.
Dunstable’s new mayor is Councillor Pat Staples, 70, who has one son, a daughter and three grandchildren.
She and husband Ray live in Friars Walk, Dunstable.
Mrs Staples, of Central Ward, has served on Dunstable Town Council for almost four years.
She is a past chairman of the former South Beds District Council, on which she served for 21 years.
Mrs Staples organised craft fairs and markets, including those in the former Queensway Hall, until her retirement.
She said: “This is an opportunity to raise the profile of our town. I love living here and I am delighted to be doing this.
“I think we have everything to look forward to. The town has huge potential.”
She will raise cash for the local Scouts Association and Citizens Advice Bureau, and for the town’s Priory Church.
Houghton Regis mayor Councillor David Jones, 60, is married and has two sons and four grandchildren.
Mr Jones and wife Anne live in Halley’s Way, Houghton.
The new mayor has served on Houghton Regis Town Council since 1999, and is a former leader of the council.
He was elected to the former South Beds District Council in 2002 and still serves on its successor, Central Beds Council.
An accountant by profession, he currently focuses his time on his council duties.
He is “delighted” to take on his new role, particularly in a year full of memorable events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.
Locally, Houghton looks forward to the launch of its new Morrisons store this year.
Mr Jones praised the town’s history and community spirit.
He said: “I just want to do my best to promote the town. Too many people run Houghton Regis down – I think it’s time the balance was redressed.”
He will raise cash for Hospice At Home Volunteers, Luton and South Bedfordshire’s branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Keech Hospice Care and the Special Needs Out of School Club, in Houghton.
