ALTON mayor Pam Jones has hosted a civic service at Alton Methodist Church.

Guests included East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and a gathering of neighbouring mayors and deputies, otherwise known as the ‘Chain Gang’.

Among them were the mayors of Haslemere and Petersfield, deputy mayors of Whitehill and Bordon and Alton, and the chairman of East Hampshire District Council. They were supported by local councillors and members of the Alton community.

The service was led by Reverend Underhill, who is the Alton mayor’s chaplain, with readings from Damian Hinds and Mrs Jones.

According to Mrs Jones: “When Rev Underhill heard the gathering of mayors fondly referred to as the ‘Chain Gang’ he decided to use the theme of ‘chains’ to inspire his sermon.

He spoke of how we are all linked together in our communities and we all have an important part to play. To further emphasise this, everyone present was asked to sign a paper strip and these where then made into a paper chain.”

After the service, on April 17, refreshments were served and the congregation had the chance to socialise while enjoying a welcome cup of tea with homemade cakes served by members of the church family.

Alton mayor Pam Jones is pictured with some of her guests – Alton deputy mayor Matthew Bayliss, Whitehill and Bordon deputy mayor David Cooper, Alton mayor’s consort Dr John Jones, Haslemere mayor Melanie Odell and her consort David Round, East Hampshire District Council chairman Tony Muldoon, and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds. Also present (but not in the picture) was Lesley Farrow, the mayor of Petersfield.