New mayor prepares for a busy year ahead (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

New mayor prepares for a busy year ahead

10:30am Sunday 20th May 2012 in Devizes

Devizes’ new mayor, Kel-vin Nash, is looking forward to a busy year as he anticipates the centenary of Devizes Carnival and the reopening of Hillworth Park after a multi-million pound facelift.

Coun Nash, 52, took over from Coun Sue Evans at a mayor-making ceremony in the Regency Assembly Room at the town hall last Thursday.

The former mayor was praised for the enthusiasm and energy she showed during her term.

Coun Nash told the audience: “I will do the best I can to develop a more cohesive community, where we, the town council, strive to help people help themselves.”

Coun Nash and his wife, Pam, were both born and raised in Devizes and attended Southbroom infants and junior schools and later Devizes School.

Mrs Nash is a teaching assistant at Southbroom Junior.

The couple met while both were playing in the Devizes Boys’ Brigade Band. They went on to play in the Old Boys’ Band, the Wyvern Band, Devizes Town Band, Kennet Vale Brass and the Wessex Military Band. Coun Nash plays cornet while his wife is on snare drum.

They have two grown-up children and their son, Phil, is one of their High Constables.

Coun Nash is regional service manager for the radio and mobile communications firm Airwave, which has responsibility for providing emergency service cover for the Olympics as well as general communications for the Games’ organisers.

He is confident he will be free to attend the many events in Devizes this summer, including celebrations for the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Devizes Carnival and Street Festival and the opening of Hillworth Park on July 21.

Their chosen charities are Devizes Opportunity Centre, Kennet Gateway Club and the Devizes Friday Craft Club.