Usk's Mayor and Mayoress, Tony and Kim Kear, welcomed over 150 guests to this year's Civic Service, held at St. Mary's Church, Usk, followed by a reception at the Sessions House.

Along with family, friends and council dignitaries from the other Monmouthshire towns, there were members of local organisations and groups representing a cross-section of the sporting, community and voluntary activities in the t own. The service was shared between the three main churches in the town, with Rev. Julian Grey opening the service, Rev. Paul Baxter giving the address, and Fr. Francis Lynch leading the prayers. Deputy Mayor Roger Galletley, Roger Kear, and the Mayor gave the readings. Usk's talented singing families, the Burchell-Hasletts and the Huxleys, provided two musical interludes, accompanied by pianist Arvin Van Hela, "With," said the Mayor, "the duet Fields of Gold' from Rosie Huxley and Maya Burchell-Haslett bringing tears to many eyes".

Afterwards, at the Sessions House, Cllr. Kear spoke of how proud he and his wife are to be representing the town as Mayor and Mayoress, and thanked the ladies of the Cricket Club for providing the refreshments. Cllr. Kear also announced his chosen organisations as recipients of his Mayoral Appeal: Usk Junior Rugby Club, Usk Youth Brass Band, Usk and District Guides, Usk Athletic Club, Silver Screen Usk, Usk Church in Wales school PTA, and Usk in Bloom.