Dennis Axford was first elected as a Penzance town councillor 25 years ago
A presentation was held on Wednesday 13 November at Penlee House Gallery & Museum to thank a former Mayor of Penzance for more than two decades of service to the community.
Dennis Axford was first elected as a Penzance town councillor in 1999, becoming Deputy Mayor in 2003, before being elected as Mayor of Penzance in 2005. Dennis also served as Chair of Finance Property Committee, Chair of General Purposes Committee, and finally, Chair of Penlee House Committee from 2017 to 2022.
At the informal event with former colleagues from Penzance Council and Penlee House, Anna Renton, Director of Penlee House presented Dennis Axford with a stunning, framed print of an early 1880s Gibson and Son photograph of Newlyn Old Harbour depicting the lugger ‘Eliza Jane’.
Also attending the presentation was the current Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, and former Mayors of Penzance, Cllrs Jonathan How and Simon Reed.
Thanking his former colleagues, Dennis Axford commented: “25 years, it doesn’t half go quick! When I started at the town council, we had two rooms without a window under St John’s Hall, in the old cells, with an entire staff of three. I’ve been chair of several committees for the council, but being chair of Penlee House was, without doubt, my favourite.
“It really has been the most fantastic time, but as with all good things, it must come to an end. It’s time for me to step aside and let the new generation come along and perhaps spend 25 years doing the same!”
Penlee House is owned and operated by Penzance Council.
