On Saturday May 8, 2021 His Worship hosted a dinner at Douglas Town Hall to mark the 125th anniversary of the formation of Douglas Borough Council. 

The Mayor and Mayoress with the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney

On March 2, 1896, the first public meeting of the newly formed Douglas Town Council was held. 

In a short speech of welcome, Council Leader David Christian MBE JP paid tribute to Sir Richard ahead of his and Lady Gozney's departure from the Island in August and said His Excellency had been 'a tireless champion' of the Isle of Man and that he had 'promoted the Island at every opportunity'. 

Turning to the Council's 125-year history Councillor Christian provided a snapshot of achievements from 1896 through to the present day and went on to say that the Council was proud of its past but had always had ambition for the future. 

In closing he referred to the centenary Council meeting held on March 2, 1996, when the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee Councillor, Basil Callow, moved the unanimously approved motion: ‘…that the Corporation of Douglas record its appreciation of the foresight and commitment of past members of the Council since its incorporation in 1896 and that the provision of high quality, cost effective services geared to the needs of our ratepayers be reaffirmed as the Corporation’s primary objective.’

Councillor Christian ended by say: '25 years on we are proud to have built on that foresight, honoured that commitment and delivered for Douglas.'