Mayor steps down busy with engagements up to the last minute

3.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th May 2005

Mayor of Chepstow, Phil Hobson, formally ended his year of office last week and handed over to the new mayor of the town, Cllr. Armand Watts.

Phil Hobson as Mayor was busy dashing around Chepstow during his last day of office, with official engagements right up until the last minute before the Annual General Meeting of Chepstow Town Council, where the formal transfer of office takes place.

"The last day of office started just like the first day - running about from place to place in the town making visits", said Phil Hobson.

Reflecting upon his year as Mayor, he said "Being born and raised in the town makes you think you know your community. The last year has opened many doors and allowed me to peek into the heart of the town and just see how many organisations and groups are active in the area. There is literally an army of people in the area who give their time voluntary to make Chepstow and district a better and more colorful place to live."

Asked what the moment of his year, Phil Hobson answered, "Laying the wreath on behalf of the town at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day was an honor. I felt an enormous sense of responsibility, something I will not forget."

He added, "I really have to thank many people in the town who invited me to their events. I tried this year to visits groups and organisations that don't normally see the mayor."

"I concentrated on visiting children's groups and students at schools and supporting as many of their events as possible. And of course, supporting arts and culture events and new business openings - all these people are the future of our town."