CHAINS and robes have been passed on to the two new Mayors of St Albans and Harpenden who were sworn into office this week.

Herts Advertiser: Town Mayor Cllr Rosemary Farmer and her consort and sister-in-law Sue FarmerTown Mayor Cllr Rosemary Farmer and her consort and sister-in-law Sue Farmer (Image: Archant)

Cllr Annie Brewster was elected as the 469th Mayor of St Albans by district councillors at the annual meeting last night, while earlier this week in Harpenden Cllr Rosemary Farmer became the new Town Mayor.

Cllr Brewster takes over from retiring Mayor Eileen Harris, and Cllr Brian Gibbard, who represents St Stephen ward, replaces Cllr Julie Bell as her deputy.

The mum-of-two has lived in the district since a young age and has been a Wheathampstead councillor for six years.

She has a particular passion for sport, young people, tourism and heritage, which will form the main themes for the year.

Cllr Brewster said: “In my mayoral year I am hoping to showcase what we already do so well in our district and run some excellent new events and engage all levels of abilities in physical education.

“In terms of leisure and tourism we are at an exciting time with all the Lottery grants so I want to help to position the district where it should rightfully be in the UK and beyond.”

She added: “It is a deep honour. I love the district and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to serve as its Mayor. I am most looking forward to meeting as many people as I can.”

Her main charity will be the Living Room, an addiction recovery centre in Hatfield Road, and she hopes to help more people access the service.

In Harpenden, Cllr Farmer has taken up the ceremonial position from Cllr Nicola Linacre after serving as her deputy for the last year.

Among other roles within the community, she is chairman of The Harpenden Day Centre Association and is a governor at High Beeches Primary School.

Her chosen charities are The Harpenden Trust, which helps people suffering hardship in the town, and The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity, which supports serving and former members of the Royal Anglian Regiment and their dependants.

She said: “I am looking forward to my civic duties throughout the year and fundraising for my nominated charities. I will work hard to support the community and residents of Harpenden.