New Civic Party for town council in place

The local authority elected Coun Alan Bowlas as its new Mayor in May, but the on-going Covid-19 restrictions means that a formal installation of the new Mayor can not take place until the council meeting planned for June 29.

At that meeting, Coun Bowlas will be supported by his wife, Jo, who will act as Mayoress for the year, and by his Sheriff, Canon Alan Hughes, who will be supported by his wife, Susan, as Sheriff’s Lady.

Coun Bowlas previously served as Mayor in the 2011/2012 council year and he is looking forward to the return of civic events where the Civic Party can play their part representing the whole town.

“The council as a whole values its role in the civic life of the town and we’re delighted to look forward to the possibility of once more hosting major events in the town’s calendar,” said Gareth Davies, Town Clerk of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The formal installation of the Mayor will take place on June 29 at the Town Hall.

The outgoing Mayor, Coun Anne Forbes, will also be invited to address the council.

Former vicar of Berwick, Canon Hughes served with the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Highland Fusiliers before leaving the army to become a clergyman and Territorial Army chaplain.

He was most recently chaplain to the 2020/2021 High Sheriff of Northumberland, Tom Fairfax of Mindrum.