Paul Sykes has been selected as the new Mayor of Austerlands, continuing a family tradition as his wife Joan previously held the ceremonial role.

The Mayor’s duties include leading the first band on Whit Friday Band Contests, presenting trophies to prize winners, and placing a wreath at Saddleworth’s oldest war memorial in Austerlands on Remembrance Sunday morning, plus other appearances throughout the year.

Sykes, described as one of the “quiet backroom Trojans” at the industrious Austerlands and Scouthead Community Group, has led a varied career from motor engineer to heavy plant equipment repair and maintenance, then into management. He later became a mature university student and trained as a teacher, working with disaffected and challenging young people in what he found to be a most rewarding role.

Since retiring, Sykes has volunteered in a special education setting for young people. As one of the founders of the Austerlands and Scouthead Community Group, he has worked on numerous projects including Dawsons Field Fun Day, gardening initiatives, the locals’ Christmas tree, and Whit Friday band contests. “I’m very fortunate to work with local community inspired volunteers and, working as a team, we can all be proud living in our community,” he said.

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