At the Annual General Meeting of Ramsey Town Commissioners on Friday May 1st Richard Radcliffe was elected chairman for the 2015-2016 municipal year.

Proposer was outgoing chairman Captain Nigel Malpass and seconder, Sylvia Beattie.

Captain Malpass said: ‘The chairman will be taking on a very prestigious year, given that 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Ramsey Town Commissioners. That chairman will need exceptional stamina and dedication, qualities Richard Radcliffe has in abundance to lead the board not only in terms of the special celebrations planned, but also in driving the town’s fortunes, economically, socially and culturally.’

Accepting the nomination Mr Radcliffe, who served as chairman some 21 years ago, said: ‘I thank the board for putting their trust in me. Together we shall do the very best we can for the people of Ramsey, a town distinguished by its unshakeable community spirit.’

Steven Bevan was elected deputy chairman and, in echoing Mr Radcliffe’s sentiments, said ‘Ramsey is the place to be.’

The occasion also provided an opportunity for the newly elected chairman to pay tribute to librarian Paul Boulton, for his 40 years’ loyal service to the Commission and present him with a picture by Michele Tramontana of the Northern Plain, a region much loved by Mr Boulton who is a keen walker.

The meeting concluded with an historic photo shoot of current and former commissioners.

Photo - Ramsey Town Commissioners – present and past commissioners. Picture Andrew Barton.