Married father-of-four and grandfather-of-one John Nickolay of Rayner's Lane was sworn in as Harrow's first male mayor in five years, on Thursday last week.
The Conservative councillor for Pinner South was elected by fellow councillors at the Civic Centre in Station Road, Harrow, in front of friends, family and colleagues.
He was nominated by friend and deputy leader of Harrow Council Susan Hall (Conservative), who said: "To be a successful mayor, thoughtfulness, humility and honour are very important. These are qualities John has in abundance. The only way I can describe John is as a true gentleman. He will have a fantastic year."
Mr Nickolay, who was born in Harrow in 1935 and now lives in Rayners Lane, has had two stints as a councillor in Harrow, having first been elected to the then Roxbourne Ward for seven years in 1964.
For the next 17 years his attentions turned to raising his two daughters and two sons before rejoining the council in 1998.
He returned as a councillor for Pinner West, which has since become Pinner South.
During his first reign as a councillor he chaired the road safety council, and marked his return in the 1990s by chairing the transport, traffic and road safety panel as well as serving on the general purposes and licensing panel.
Last year he was elected as deputy mayor.
He said: "As the first male mayor in five years I do feel like I have a lot to live up to. But this is my borough, it is where I was brought up.
"I know that with the cooperation of various people and parties we can look forward to a great year."
Apart from National Service in the RAF between 1953 and 1955 his working life in London has mainly related to Liner Shipping. Until 1974 he worked
for Union-Castle and Clan Line Shipping companies before working for chartered accountants Thomson McLintock - which has subsequently become KPMG.
Mr Nickolay has placed a lot of emphasis on bringing different cultures together and hopes to help create a greater community spirit.
He added: "What I really want is for people to know their neighbours. For them to greet others in their community, approaching them with a smile.
"I will try to divide my time to help bring about greater community relations."
His nominated charity is The Welldon Activity Group, which provides day care for those with physical and learning disabilities.
Mr Nickolay's wife Joyce, also a Conservative councillor for Rayners Lane, was sworn in as mayoress while Eric Silver (Conservative councillor for Headstone North) was elected as deputy mayor.
