HUGE sums for charity raised by 62 life-sized models of hogs and the salvation of Haslemere’s public toilets are just two town triumphs in 2017, highlighted by town mayor, Malcolm Carter in his Christmas message to Herald readers.

“Hogs everywhere – no matter where you were in town there was a Hog grinning at you.

“So began my year, and what a success that project pioneered by Brian Howard was for the town, with £35,000 raised for good causes.

“No sooner had I put the mayor’s chain on then the headline in The Herald said ‘Mayor threatens to chain himself to the town toilets’.

“This could well be what my mayoral year will be remembered for.

“But we saved them, thanks to the 800 signatures to my online petition – and now we are a town with a loo.

“It has been a great delight to meet many townsfolk, and none less so, than Dr Anne Hunter, who graciously allowed us to rename the Alzheimer’s centre in memory of her husband.

“Dr Hunter opened the new centre, and what a great tribute to the town it is. The target of £50,000 was reached this month and The Hunter Centre is fully functioning three days per week now.

“The town’s new charity The Haslemere Penny Ha’penny Trust, showed its value very quickly, by hosting donations for The Hunter Centre and the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“The charity, in its first year, received £11,178 from the mayor’s charity and is now making grants to young and old in the town.

“Sadly, the tragedies in Manchester and London, in May and June, found us standing on the town green on three occasions in sympathy with the rest of the country.

“It was sad, but equally humbling, to see 70 people standing around the memorial at 9pm on a Sunday night with candles.

“It has been a great pleasure to have been invited to many events and meet so many volunteers that make this town special.

“They are too numerous to thank publicly here.

“While globally and nationally, it could not have seemed a more unstable year, the life of the town has continued, with comedy festivals, music and arts events, and with local organisations attracting two Royal visits.

“I am also proud to have chosen Canine Partners as one of my charities, although I can claim no credit for their visit from Her Majesty the Queen and the resulting major publicity in a national paper.

“Please do come and see one of their demonstrations.

“Finally, as Christmas week comes upon us, it has been a delight to have been to so many seasonal events and joined in your festivities.

“May I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”