Delightedand slightly surprised, the new mayor of Chelmsford says he could not do the job without his wife's loving support.
Astronomy enthusiast Trevor Miller, 73, and former microbiologist Maureen were appointed mayor and mayoress last week, announcing The J's Hospice as their charity of the year.
The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August and first met at a dance during their days at Reading University.
"Her support is essential. It would be so hard without Maureen because you need some help when you're rushing from one event to another," said grandfather-of-three Trevor, who worked in financial planning and accountancy for British Rail for 33 years.
"It's very nice to be able to share discussions about each engagement with her rather than to tackle it on my own. I couldn't do it without her, I wouldn't even attempt it."
While excited about his new role, Trevor may have to sacrifice a few hours with his telescope in his shed – which boasts a retractable roof.
"The planets and the moon are the most fascinating thing," he said, adding that he has spotted Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune.
The couple, of Foxholes Road in Great Baddow, also love digging out their family history. Trevor says he would not be alive today if his ancestor Robert Baxter had not survived the Napoleonic wars in Spain, as well as his grandfather who fought in the First World War.
One of his earliest memories is his mother celebrating the end of the Second World War.
"She was shouting, 'we're at peace, at peace!' And I thought what is peace? Is this something else I have to deal with?" he recalled.
Trevor, who has been a councillor for 18 years, said it was an honour to support The J's Hospice.
"It's such a good cause and I knew one or two people within it already," he said.
"The work they do is so important, caring for people aged 16 to 40 years old who have a life-threatening illness.
"It's such a hard time for the people concerned to try and fight through and get back to full health."
The J's Hospice held a meeting with the mayor and mayoress only last week and are set to announce an "exciting" new programme for the coming year.
Maureen, 70, said she was pleased to be supporting her husband after his support for her as Great Baddow's county councillor for 12 years.
"Chelmsford is such an interesting city, isn't it? There's a lot of things that are happening. Being near enough to London, it's quite an interesting place," she said.
Trevor said he was surprised and privileged after his fellow councillors suggested he become mayor.
He appointed fellow Lib Dem Jude Deakin as his deputy, who will receive support from Jill Smith-Hughes as her escort.
Trevor has already attended seven engagements as mayor, including a visit to a new radiography unit at Colchester Hospital.
