ROMSEY'S great and good bid a town council's chief officer a happy retirement at a fun-filled event. 

Judith Giles is retiring from Romsey Town Council after 20 years in the role. 

During that time she has overseen countless civic events including royal visits, jubilee events and a coronation. 

Romsey Town Hall hosted guests such as MP Caroline Nokes, Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King and the Countess Mountbatten of Burma on Tuesday, August 27. 

After people enjoyed food and drinks, they headed outside to listen and dance along to the Romsey Old Cadets. 

John Parker and Judith Giles (Image: Newsquest)

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Cllr Parker said: “Judith has been a wonderful clerk, she has looked after us and kept us under control.”

Rose Ray, John Ray, Judith Giles and Neil Gwynne (Image: Newsquest)

Former Mayor of Romsey John Ray said: “When I first joined the council over 20 years ago, it was very different to what it is today. Tories sat on one side and Liberals sat on the other, squabbling and not a lot got done. Then Judith arrived and it all changed almost overnight, it was fantastic. I just want to say thank you so much for everything you have done for us, you'll be sadly missed.”

Ms Giles said: “The highlight for me was meeting Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip in 2007. To be part of arranging a royal visit in the town is something I will never forget. Romsey has a wonderful community spirit. Who can forget the wonderful job the carnival committee did in organising the event for the Queen's jubilee event in 2022. Romsey succeeds because people and groups work together. In your hands I know it will continue to thrive, please keep up the good work.”

The new chief officer of Romsey Town Council is Helen Klaassen.