Haslemere’s outgoing mayor, Cllr Jacquie Keen, hosted a special civic reception to thank people in the local community before handing over the chains.

Cllr Jerome Davidson was sworn in as Cllr Keen's successor at last week's town council meeting – the first since the May 4 local elections.

But prior to the handover, Cllr Keen hosted a reception at Haslewey, inviting representatives of local volunteer groups, charities others nominated by the community.

Haslemere's outgoing mayor Cllr Jacquie Keen hands over a cheque for £3,500 to Haslemere Educational Museum trustee Christopher Ashton-Jones
Haslemere's outgoing mayor Cllr Jacquie Keen hands over a cheque for £3,500 to Haslemere Educational Museum trustee Christopher Ashton-Jones (HTC)

During the evening, the mayor’s charities Crossways Counselling Services, The Haslemere Education Museum and Hindhead Playing Fields Pavilion were awarded funds the mayor had raised from various events such as her gala dinner, town crier talk and quiz night.

The mayor had raised a total of £13,000 over her mayoral year.

Haslemere's outgoing mayor Cllr Jacquie Keen hands over a cheque for £6,000 to Crossways Counselling Services
Haslemere's outgoing mayor Cllr Jacquie Keen hands over a cheque for £6,000 to Crossways Counselling Services (HTC)

Cllr Keen gave special thanks to “all the local business and local residents who had very kindly contributed and offered auction prizes” for her gala dinner auction.

“The night was a wonderful celebration of the local community,” she added.