The 808th Mayor of Winchester is Chris Pines.
At the Mayor-making ceremony held last night (May 16) at Winchester Guildhall, Cllr Chris Pines announced the four charities he will support this year.
He will raise money for Age Concern Winchester, Friends of the Family Winchester, Winchester and District Young Carers Project, and Youth Options.
Cllr Pines also announced that he will create a new award for the district called the Mayor of Winchester's Award, through which he hopes to acknowledge many of the volunteers serving the community.
Cllr Pines has served as a councillor at Winchester City Council since May 1980 as member for the town ward of St John & All Saints. In that time he has served on most committees including Licensing, Scrutiny Panels as well on as the Town Forum.
In his spare time, he has supported a number of local groups. Currently he works with Winnall & Highcliffe Community forums, is a member of Winnall Primary School governors, a member of Henry Smith Charity, (both St Johns & St Andrews), advises Highcliffe and Winnall Tenants Associations and chairs Winnall Rock School.
Speaking last night, he said: "I must thank my colleagues on the council for giving me their trust for the next year. I'll try to do my best to live up to their expectations."
The new deputy mayor is Cllr Michael Read.
Outgoing Mayor
Last year as Mayor, Cllr Sue Nelmes raised more than £25,000 through various events, including a fundraising tea party and the Mayor's Ball, which had the added glamour of celebrity auctioneer Ruby Wax.
Cllr Nelmes attended more than 400 engagements, including four royal visits, and was accompanied on many by her escort, internationally renowned hairdresser Guy Kremer, or by her nine-year-old grand-daughter Laura.
Outgoing Mayor, Sue Nelmes, said: "It's been a wonderful year and I haven't managed to fit in all the things I wanted to, or all the places in the district," adding. "It's been a privilege."
The money raised in her year as Mayor will be split between her chosen charities Naomi House, Emmaus Hampshire, Samaritans (Winchester & District branch), and Winchester Basics Bank.