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08
May
Native Riponian becomes city's fifth female mayor since 1604
Councillor Jackie Crozier has become only the fifth woman in 421 years to be elected as mayor of Ripon.
At yesterday evening's mayor-making ceremony in the council chamber at Ripon Town Hall, she took the oath of allegiance and will now follow in the footsteps of Hugh Ripley, who served as the city's first mayor from 1604 to 1605.
Cllr Crozier, who was born and bred in Ripon, gave thanks to her predecessor, Councillor Sid Hawke, who completed three consecutive terms in mayoral office.
She said:
It has been an honour and a previlege serve as your deputy in this city with its rich history, culture and community spirit.
Cllr Crozier signs the ancient roll, after taking the oath of allegiance
Cllr Crozier added:
It is with gratitude and immense pride that I accept the office of mayor in this city that I hold so dear and I will serve it with dedication and passion.
The ceremony, which was attended by civic dignitaries from neighbouring towns, along with representavives from the armed forces and emergency services, saw Councillor Gary Camplejohn elected as deputy mayor and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham appointed as mayor's chaplain.
She takes over from the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson, who was chaplain to Cllr Hawke and said prayers at the start of yesterday's meeting.
Guests at yesterday evening's mayor-making ceremony
Among the guests at the ceremony were Freemen of the City Hazel Barker and 89-year-old John Richmond, who was elected as mayor of Ripon 50 years ago in 1975.
Speaking at the reception at the Ripon Inn, which followed the ceremony, he told the Stray Ferret:
It is marvellous, to see another lady's name being added to the city's long and historic list of first citizens. I wish her well and hope she enjoys her year of office.
The newly-elected mayor with John Richmond, who was mayor of Ripon in 1975-76
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