• Home
• Accessibility
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Help

Cllr Graham Mason has been elected as the Mayor of Poole for 2002-03, at the Mayor Making ceremony held today. Cllr Ray Smith was elected Sheriff and Cllr Ron Parker, Mayor of Poole for 2001-02, was appointed Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Graham Mason is the 754^th Mayor of Poole. Graham has chosen to support two charity appeals which aim to provide equipment for Poole Hospital during his mayoral year.

The Digital Retinal Imaging Camera Fund aims to raise funding for new specialist equipment designed to detect blindness in the Diabetic Unit at Poole Hospital. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness among people aged 16-64 in the UK and affects the blood vessels at the back of the eye which can become blocked, leak or grow haphazardly affecting vision. The condition is difficult to detect and if left untreated this can cause damage to vision. A Retinal Image Camera used for regular eye examinations would help detect any changes or worsening of the condition.

The Valentine Fund, which is the charity set up to raise funds for a new cardiology unit and coronary care unit at Poole Hospital. In the past 10 years the number of heart tests performed by staff at Poole Hospital has increased by 900%. The Fund aims to raise money to provide state of the art monitoring equipment and two new echo machines costing in the region of £90,000 each.

The new Mayor of Poole has also announced his youth escorts:

Megan Keeling, Poole Sea Cadets and Stuart Ricketts, Parkstone Sea Cadets.

Jonathan Martin, Poole’s Civic chaplain has been appointed by the Mayor and in his absence, Reverend Rory Macleod, Minister from the Royal Marines. Rory will be in Afghanistan over the next few months caring for young men and women serving there.

Mayor of Poole, Cllr Graham Mason, said: "As Mayor I want to promote Poole and the people of Poole - it’s a beautiful place and the future looks bright. However we have challenges ahead with the development of the Town, the Quay and a new future for Hamworthy, all of which are achievable with a new second harbour bridge. We need this to secure the many opportunities that will be available for residents including jobs, leisure facilities and affordable homes. Susan and I look forward to the many challenges and civic opportunities ahead."

Cllr Ron Parker in his acceptance of the office of Deputy Mayor said: "This has been an exciting and enjoyable year as Mayor, and one which was most memorable. Jean and I would wish to thank the people of Poole who have supported us in so many ways and welcomed us to so many community and charity events. This tremendous support has made it possible for the charities to achieve what is believed to be a record sum. We are confident that the new Mayor and Mayoress will have the same welcome and support. We wish them a successful year".