Relief on the scales for outgoing mayor

5:41pm Saturday 10th May 2008

Comments (4)   Have your say »

OUTGOING mayor of High Wycombe Val Razzaq breathed a sigh of relief today, after she stepped on the scale for the town's traditional weighing in ceremony.

The annual event sees the mayor and dignitaries weighed to make sure they haven't been piling on the pounds at the public's expense.

And this year the crowds gave a cheer as the town cryer bellowed the all-important words: "And no more."

The unlucky ones who put on weight were met with good-natured boos from spectators.

Councillor Razzaq said: "I've just been weighed in and it's no more - thank goodness for that.

"I weighed myself this morning and it wasn't looking good, but I thought minus the chain, minus the bedrobe I might be okay. And I've got the new mayor's charter trustee gown, which is lighter than mine.

"I've really enjoyed my year this year. I've been so proud to serve the town.

"I grew up in High Wycombe, I was born here, raised here and educated here - I've seen so, so many changes."

She announced at the mayor's reception that her fundraising had reached a total of £17, 500.

This was to go toward a dialysis machine for Wycombe Hospital, a trip for sufferers of Alzheimer's, and the rest would be for special lifting equipment for the ambulance service.

And the new mayor, Cllr Paul Lambourne said he was looking forward to the year ahead.

The Conservative councillor for Sands was due to stand as mayor in 2003, but just a week before the annual weighing in ceremony he lost his seat in the district elections.

Cllr Lambourne said: "I've waited a few years and it's unusual to get a second opportunity but I'll grab it with both hands.

He added that the town needed to make sure the mayor-making day remained firmly on Wycombe's calender. He said: "I think all these people here today demonstrate we do need to keep it."

The tradition, held in Frogmoor, dates back to 1678, after a former mayor, Henry Shepard, was reportedly found drunk on the job.

At his reception, Cllr Lambourne said: "Today is the proudest day of my life. High Wycombe is steeped in history stemming back to the 13th century."

He also announced that his year of fundraising would be in support of the South Bucks Hospice, which provides care for people with life limiting illnesses.

He said: "I'm delighted to be able to support this local charity."

Julie Pritchard, councillor for Micklefield, stepped into the deputy mayor's shoes replacing Cllr Jane White.