The outgoing mayor of Test Valley has spoken of the 'privilege' of serving the borough over the past year.

Cllr Alan Dowden handed the mayoral chain over to Cllr Philip Lashbrook at the mayor making at Crosfield Hall in Romsey.

Cllr Mark Cooper, who preceded Cllr Dowden as borough mayor, proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing mayor and mayoress, Cllr Celia Dowden.

He said: “Alan was first elected in Romsey Tadburn on May 2 1991 - after Alan had canvassed virtually every dwelling in the ward and is an early illustration of his commitment and work ethic.

READ MORE: Winchester Freedom Parade: 19 photos of Royal Logistic Corps event

“Here we are in 2023, and he is still representing Valley Park. Alan has thus served Test Valley continuously for 32 years. Celia was elected on the May 1 2003 so together they have served Test Valley for 52 years.

“The advent of Covid in March 2020 meant the borough mayoralty was placed in suspended animation for a year and a half. Fortunately civic matters had more or less returned to normal by the time Alan and Celia took on the mayoralty - with great enthusiasm in May 2022

“At which point the mayor fell off a ladder creating multiple fractures in his left foot. Gravity has a lot to answer for. Many of us will not forget the image of Alan in full mayoral regalia finery being pushed around in a wheelchair by the chief executive at his Abbey Civic Service."

Cllr Alan Dowden said: “Over the last twelve months it has been an historic time to be mayor. Our memories from the mayoral year have been varied, rewarding, humorous and emotional. 

SEE ALSO: Winchester business leaders meet Jeremy Hunt at 10 Downing Street

“The kindness, generosity of spirit and time, given by so many of our residents to helping others, is humbling. 

“The mayoral role is an integral part of our council, a link reaching out to the people we serve. It really is a privilege.

“My biggest thanks goes to my wife, Cllr Celia Dowden for stepping in for me during the first few months.”

Cllr Gordon Bailey was appointed as deputy mayor at the meeting on May 24.

Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Lashbrook, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed the new mayor of this great borough. 

“After a year of supporting Cllr Dowden as his deputy, I’m excited to see what the next 12 months brings and what events and activities are in store for me. I would like to thank all of my councillor colleagues for giving me this honour and I’m looking forward to working closely with Cllr Bailey over the coming year. I would also like to thank my wife, mayoress Linda Lashbrook, for her unwavering support.”

During his civic year, Cllr Lashbrook announced that his mayoral appeal will be raising funds for a number of charities and groups including The Countess of Brecknock Hospice, Enham Trust and Romsey District Scouts.