COUNCILLOR Howard Marshall took over as mayor of Calne this week when he received the chain of office at a ceremony on Monday night.

Coun Marshall, who was previously mayor in 2009/10, took over from Coun Heather Canfer and will have Coun Tom Rounds, chair of the neighbourhood plan steering group, as his deputy mayor.

After receiving the chain of office, Mr Marshall said that he wanted to use his second term in office to help and encourage the local music scene in the town.

He said: “Calne needs a place where musicians can grow. There’s nowhere for budding musicians to hone their skills and nowhere for established bands to practice and develop.

“However, it will require money, and a reasonable amount, for this dream to become a reality.

“I would like to thank my councillors for showing me the confidence to be mayor for a second term. Calne proves time and time again to be a town that punches above its weight.”

The new mayor also announced that his chosen charities would be the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK before saluting the work of Coun Canfer.

He said: “I think she’s done a fantastic job this year, I think she has excelled herself and if I can do half as well then Calne will be in good hands.”

The final act of outgoing mayor was for Coun Canfer to present civic awards to Herta Buckeridge and Peter Steadman for services to the community of Calne.

Jodie Bounds was awarded the town mayor’s gift fund to recognise her talent in the sport of women’s cricket while Daniel Adams received the Young Citizen’s Award.

Mr Adams was recognised for his work in developing and maintaining the community flower beds at Curzon Park as well as his work with the town council on designing planting schemes for town centre floral displays.

Coun Canfer said: “Even in the relatively short time I have lived here, I feel I have found a real home.

“When I was first nominated it was somewhat daunting but with the help of town clerk and staff I would recommend the role to anyone. I am proud to have served on this council with the very best councillors, with the town clerk, and her staff.”