 Cllr Nick Geary, a councillor for the North Highcliffe and Walkford ward, has been sworn in as new Mayor of the Ancient Borough of Christchurch. Cllr Mrs Sue Spittle has also been sworn in as Deputy Mayor. Born in Harrow, at the age of ten Cllr Geary’s family moved to Bournemouth, moving again to Mudeford, Christchurch six years later. After serving an engineering apprenticeship at Penny & Giles, Nick went on to form his own engineering business which he still runs in Christchurch. As someone who has always been interested in local affairs, he has taken an active role in the community. He has been Chairman of the Christchurch Commoners Association, Vice Chairman of SAMRA and Chairman of a local political group. He was elected onto Christchurch Borough Council in 1999 representing the Portfield Ward, and was Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Technical Services Committee. Cllr Geary will be supported during his year of office by his wife Gillian. In his first speech, the new Mayor thanked his fellow councillors for electing him and, as is customary, reviewed the events of the previous year. Amongst the many achievements, Cllr Geary mentioned the positive results from last year’s Place Survey which saw Christchurch Council named as best for value for money in the South West.
He also praised the new Gundimore beach access project and the play facilities at Highcliffe Recreation Ground, as well as the new synthetic football pitches and BMX track at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex. In pointing out the successes of the past year, he talked about the cleanliness of the Borough’s streets, the awards for Stanpit Marsh Information Centre and the plans to make Druitt Gardens a more welcome place for wildlife and humans. Finally, he announced his Mayoral charities for the year would be Christchurch Activities for Young People, First Opportunities and Portfield School. |
