THE town's 'mayor making' ceremony last Thursday evening saw a relative "newcomer" to Haslemere Town Council officially sworn into office. William King, who has been deputy mayor to Stephen Mulliner, was formally elected to be Haslemere town mayor. Mr King was elected to represent Shottermill ward last May. The new mayoress Carole King is both a town councillor and Waverley Borough Council executive member. The new deputy mayor is Melanie Odell, who as well as being a town councillor, is chairman of the Haslemere Initiative group. Retiring mayor Mr Mulliner has now completed his second period as town mayor, first serving in 2002/ 2003. He told councillors and guests that last year, when Mr King was appointed deputy mayor, the council was looking for a candidate who had not been in the office before. Congratulating Mr King and wishing him "the very best of luck" he said it was a privilege to be mayor and one that had given him "an uplifted spirit" through meeting people and performing duties. The Civic Reception, a week earlier, had given him a chance to recall most of the highlights of the year and mention many of the people who have worked hard for the town. He added, "I thank once more the members of the town hall office staff, Mike O'Neil, Kathy Moore and Hayden Smith, without whom nothing would happen." He also thanked mayoress Sarah Mulliner, who accompanied him on many of his visits and official duties. He announced Haslemere Hospital League Of Friends and Community Action Nepal had benefited from £11,000 as the designated mayor's charities for the year. He said: "there were some generous donations" particularly from people who could not attend the gala concert or dinner held in aid of the charities. The concert was a highlight of the year which had showcased some outstanding Haslemere talent." The hospital league of friends has also been chosen as Mr King's charity for the coming year. Seconding Mr King for mayor, Robert Knowles said William King had come to public office after a long service in the armed forces, in the Surrey and Lancashire regiments, and after a busy career in the City. Mr Knowles said: "He was happy working with private soldiers and generals and will be equally at home serving everyone in our community here in Haslemere."  Mr King said: "I thank my fellow councillors for their confidence in electing me to the office of Town Mayor of Haslemere. I am deeply honoured and will serve this community to the best of my ability. "Stephen Mulliner has worked tirelessly as both a Haslemere town councillor and also a Waverely borough councillor. As deputy mayor it has been a pleasure to work for him and I thank him for his calm and wise counsel and his meticulous attention to detail. I have learnt a lot. "We have all witnessed the energy and enthusiasm that Stephen has brought to bear on some of the main issues for the town, such as car parking at the railway station and planning for the future. "Stephen's wisdom and experience has been valuable in advising and steering this council. I sincerely thank him on your behalf for his sterling work." He then presented flowers to Sarah Mulliner, thanking her for "a magnificent year in helping this town and its people", and presented his wife Carole, with the badge of mayoress. The election of Melanie Odell was proposed by Brian Howard and seconded by Michael Dover. Mr Howard said: "There can be few people who have done as much for the town before reaching the position of deputy mayor and if she does as much while in office we will all be very fortunate." Mrs Odell said: "I will do my utmost to serve the town and council. " After the official proceedings, Mr King's first duty as mayor was to present a limited edition town hall 'money box' made by Grayshott Pottery to Carol Cary, who is standing down after 20 years service on the Charter Fair committee.