North Kent magistrate, Coun Michael Wenban, 69, was elected as the new Mayor of Gravesham at Tuesday’s annual council meeting (May 19).

The mayoress, who will act as the mayor’s escort, will be fellow magistrate Fiona Strike in place on Coun Wenban’s wife, who has a full-time job as a head teacher.

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Mayor Coun Michael Wenban with Mayoress Fiona Strike and local historian Christoph Bull

The elected deputy mayor will be Coun Greta Goatley (below left) who will be supported by her daughter as escort, Victoria Bance (below right).

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Coun Wenban, who has lived in Gravesend all of his life, retired as senior tug master for Svitzer four and a half years ago, said: “I was born and raised in Gravesend and I am the fifth generation of my family to have resided here.

“It really is a wonderful place to live and visit and has a bright future, we have lots to offer including a great cohesive community with some lovely features such as the busy river where I worked for my most of my life, the Gravesend Promenade, Gurdwara and Old Town Hall to name a few.

“It’s an honour to serve as mayor of this vibrant diverse borough that I truly love.”

This year’s mayor’s fundraising will go towards young people, the elderly and the disadvantaged.

Rev Jacqueline Littlewood, associate priest at Christ Church in Gravesend, will be the mayor’s vicar.

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Coun Michael Wenbam with Rev Jacqueline Littlewood

Coun Wenban (Conservative) follows Coun John Caller (Labour) as mayor.

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Former mayor Coun John Caller

Coun Caller awarded volunteers in the borough who have made a big difference with Gravesham Community Awards at the meeting, in his last civic duty as mayor.

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The award winners were:

Eileen Perks, Outstanding Individual Award

Clare Knowles (owner of Mad Café), Community Business Award

Fionnuala Joseph and Alexandra Gemmell, Young Person of the Year Award

Northfleet and Ebbsfleet Lions Club and Ellenor Volunteers, Best Group Award

Ian Kerwood, Sports Achiever of the Year Award

City Praise, Safer/Better Community Award

Eric White, Special Leader/Chief Executive Civic Award for Lifetime Achievement