Councillor Richard Henry McNicholl has been elected Mayor of Douglas for the 2011-2012 municipal year. Councillor McNicholl’s election as Mayor of Douglas, a post he had held for the previous municipal year, took place at a statutory Council meeting held on Wednesday May 11 in the Council Chamber of Douglas Town Hall. Proposing the nomination Councillor Mrs Betty Quirk said Councillor McNicholl had served as Mayor for the past 12 months and also for a two-year term from 2003 to 2005 ‘with dignity and distinction.’ She continued: ‘His extensive knowledge of the history of the Borough, his outgoing nature and enthusiasm for meeting people have all combined through his terms of office to promote the Council.’ In her closing remarks Councillor Quirk said that given the Mayor Elect’s extensive knowledge of Standing Orders Council Members would always be assured ‘proper democratic debate.’ In seconding the nomination Councillor Richard Kissack said two of Councillor McNicholl’s greatest contributions to the Mayoral role were his sense of humour - ‘a truly invaluable asset’ - and his innate ability to command respect. It was a combination, he said, that rendered Councillor McNicholl ‘a remarkable man.’ In his installation address to Members of Douglas Borough Council, Officers, Honorary Freemen of the Borough and other guests His Worship the Mayor said he was proud to accept the nomination and would undertake to continue serving the Council to the best of his ability. He went on to outline initiatives past and present undertaken by the Council to ensure and enhance the wellbeing of the people of Douglas, citing recent examples such as major housing schemes, including the redevelopment of Pulrose, and wide ranging improvements to leisure and community facilities across the Borough. His Worship spoke of the Council’s commitment to the kerbside collection scheme and, referring to the Douglas town centre regeneration scheme, said: ‘The plans I have seen so far look excellent and I am confident that the scheme will transform our town centre into a pleasant and welcoming place for the benefit of our residents and visitors.’ He thanked his wife Mrs Julie McNicholl for her continued support in her role as Mayoress of Douglas for the forthcoming municipal year and said he looked forward to investing her with the new Mayoress’s chain, purchased with money bequeathed to the Council by the late Mr Eric Gordon Douglas. He also extended his thanks to Councillor Stephen Pitts for having served so admirably as Deputy Mayor for the 2010-2011 municipal year, adding: ‘I remember with fondness our late friend Dot Pitts, Stephen’s wife, whose enthusiasm, passion and loyalty are sorely missed.’ In closing His Worship said: ‘Many mayors before me have spoken of the hard times that lie ahead and the challenges the Council faces. But our Borough goes on and I accept the office of Mayor in a spirit of enthusiasm and readiness, and indeed confidence that the Council will overcome all the obstacles.’ For the 2011-2012 municipal year Councillor David Ashford was appointed Deputy Mayor and Mrs Sylvia Ashford Deputy Mayoress. Additionally the Rev Les Lawrinson will continue as Mayor’s Chaplain. ENDS