Thatcham's new mayor is sworn in

The mayor-making was held at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall, and Thatcham town councillors unanimously voted in favour of the Thatcham South and Crookham member.
Mr Boyd, of Battle Road, Wash Common, said: “I’m excited about it, there’s a lot going on. If you could have picked a year, this would have been it.”
Although he no longer lives in Thatcham, Mr Boyd said that he was very proud of the town.
“It has a lot going for it, with events such as the family fun day.”
The mayor has chosen two charities for the year: the Meningitis Trust and the Happy Days Autistic Club (based at Mary Hare School).
He said that both charities had meaning for him, as his grandson, Harrison died of meningitis when he was just 11 days old, in 2007, and his son 10-year-old Scott, had asperger syndrome.
He said: “I know how different it is for children with this condition. They don’t socially interact.
“My aim for this year is to raise as much money as possible for these two charities.”
Mr Boyd’s deputy for the year will be fellow Liberal Democrat Mike Cole (Thatcham North).
The 56-year-old banking consultant, of Trefoil Drove, is a new-comer to the town council, having been a member for just a year, but has lived in Thatcham for about 30 years.
Mr Cole, who has been involved with local groups including the Thatcham Chamber of Commerce and Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) over the years and who has been involved with the Christmas light switch-on event for more than 10 years, said that one of the things he wanted to achieve was to build closer links between the town council and the business community.
He said: “I'm ever so pleased, it's a fantastic honour to be deputy mayor.”
Mr Dillon, said: “I was delighted that the council unanimously decided to elect John as the mayor. Having worked closely with him for the past year as my deputy, I know that John will serve the town and the council well.
“As mayor he will be leading Thatcham in celebrating the Queen’s diamond jubilee and Olympic Torch coming through our town.
“This will be an exciting year and John’s energy, can-do attitude and commitment will make ensure his year as mayor will be a success.”