Mayor today, gone tomorrow
1:17pm Wednesday 21st May 2008
AFTER an "enjoyable" 12 months in post, the Lord Mayor of York will be handing over the chains of office tomorrow.
In the past year, Coun Irene Waudby has celebrated a raft of anniversaries in the city, nurtured York's relationship with its German twin city Munster, and even been a judge at Miss York.
But Coun Waudby, who is the first woman in York's history to be Lord Mayor twice - holding the title previous in 2001-2 - said the highlight of her rein in office had "undoubtedly" been meeting so many interesting people at various engagements in the city.
She said: "I and my civic party would like to express our thanks to all who have invited us to their events and special occasions.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many people.
"It has been a joy to be involved in all that makes this city such a friendly, welcoming and cosmopolitan one."
She said she was pleased to have been able to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's chosen charities, and also The Press's Guardian Angels appeal.
Her charities, the York Blind And Partially Sighted Society and Martin House Hospice, have expressed their gratitude after the Lord Maypr's fundraising activities boosted their coffers by £50,000.
Diane Roberts, head of fundraising at the Blind And Partially Sighted Society, said: "Every event we have asked them to attend, they have been delighted to do so.
"The Lord Mayor has also been brilliant in providing us with publicity and, of course, helping raise much-needed funds. We are very grateful."
The past year also marked a milestone for the Lord Mayor and her consort - their Ruby Wedding.
Coun Waudby and her husband, Derek, who have two children, Helen and Mark, and one grandson, Ruairi, marked their 40th wedding anniversary in July last year.
When asked if she might make history again by being Lord Mayor a third time, Coun Waudby said: "Never say never."