For the first time since 1982, a Mayor’s Civic Service was held in Launceston on Sunday.

Mayor and Mayoress, Dave and Carole Gordon invited dignitaries, fellow town councillors and guests to join them at St Thomas Church for the 10.30am service.

After a processional hymn, the congregation was welcomed by the Rev Peter Knight, who conducted the service.

Cllr Gordon gave his address and explained that the last civic service was held over 30 years ago, when Arthur Wills was mayor. Mr Wills also attended Sunday’s service.

Good wishes were also conveyed to deputy mayor Leighton Penhale who had been admitted to hospital.

Cllr Gordon said that back in May when he began his term of office, he spoke a lot about community, and although he wasn’t planning on speaking for such a great length of time, he wanted to touch on the community of Launceston again.

“Our community turns out in great numbers,” Cllr Gordon said, no matter what the event is.

The mayor’s chosen charity, Freddy’s Fund, was launched to help raise around £4,000 to purchase a specialised bed for two-year-old Freddy Jackson who lives with Cerebral Palsy and a number of other conditions.

Cllr Gordon explained that this bed will help Freddy sleep in comfort and will also give his parents peace of mind.

“The fund has raised in excess of £2,000 in six months in donations. That’s 100 per cent due to the people of our community.”

Cllr Gordon said it has been very touching to have pensioners come up to him and donate £5 from their pensions, or for someone to put a pound in his hand to go towards the fund.

“It’s very humbling. I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed in any way. Freddy’s mum and dad are grateful, as are myself and Carole.”

The collection during the service was to be split equally between Freddy’s Fund and also St Thomas Church.

Cllr Gordon also spoke about some forthcoming events in the town — the Remembrance events on Sunday in the town square and also the Christmas events that have been planned, including a skate rink, the Christmas lights switch on, Christmas tree festival, carols around the tree and the Santa Run — there will even be a couple of donkeys this year!

“Thank you to the people of Launceston who make my life as mayor such an enjoyable one and thank you for being part of today’s service.”

There were a couple of readings — an Old Testament reading read by the mayoress, and a passage from the New Testament read by town councillor Jane Nancarrow.

Voices in the church were boosted by members of St Mary’s Choir, and there was also music from Launceston Town Band.

The service was brought to a fitting end by a rousing version of Trelawny, before everyone retired to nearby Kensey Vale Bowling Club for refreshments.