MORE than a hundred residents attended Crewe’s Annual Town Council Meeting that saw its third mayor elected.

On Tuesday, May 19, Crewe Town Council elected Cllr Dennis Straine-Francis, who will take over from Cllr Pam Minshall.

Residents from across the town joined the Town Council at Ruskin Community High School to witness the mayor making ceremony, which is steeped in many old traditions.

The first item on the Agenda was to appoint a mayor and deputy mayor for the forthcoming twelve months.

Cllr Kevin Hickson nominated Cllr Dennis Straine-Francis to be elected as mayor which was swiftly seconded by Councillor Damian Bailey. Current mayor of Crewe Cllr Pam Minshall followed suit with her nomination of Cllr Marilyn Houston, which was seconded by Cllr Terry Beard.

Speaking after he was elected as the third mayor of Crewe, Cllr Straine-Francis said: “My family and I moved to Crewe 27 years ago because we thought it would be lovely place to live. “Crewe has never proved us wrong.

“I am very privileged to become the mayor of Crewe and I am looking forward to meeting all neighbours across the Town and hopefully promote the great work that goes on in Crewe.”

Crewe Brass Band marked the start of proceedings as Cllr Minshall was led into the meeting led by the Standard Bearer from Royal British Legion – Crewe Branch, the council mace bearer, Reverend Steve Clapham, the mayor’s chaplain and the deputy mayor, Cllr Benn Minshall.

Following an eventful year, Cllr Minshall and Cllr Benn Minshall exchanged their chains of office and civic insignia with their successors.

Cadets and officers from 95 Squadron (Crewe) Air Training Corps formed a guard of honour along the processional path.

Cllr Straine-Francis added: “I would like to thank CllrPam Minshall for all her hard work and for being an excellent mayor.

“She really has set a great example and a standard which will be extremely difficult to live up to.”