Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council is delighted to announce the election of Mayor, Councillor Fiona Holness, following the Mayor Making Ceremony at the Annual Town Council meeting on Thursday 16th May 2026.

Councillor Barry Taylor was elected as Deputy Mayor.

The ceremony took place at St Bartholomew & All Saint Church in Royal Wootton Bassett in front of residents, community groups, partner organisations, sports club and business, along with invited guests; including the Deputy Lieutenant, Rachel Gowshall and Wiltshire Police Chief Constable, Catherine Roper.

Mayor, Councillor Fiona Holness has chosen two charities for her Mayoral Year. The first is Man Down Wiltshire, a continuation to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Steve Bucknell, chosen charity. Man Down provide much needed mental health support for men through peer-led talking groups.

The second Mayor’s charity is the Richard Jones Foundation, an organisation that awards grants to young persons who need help to buy equipment, instruments, books, fund educational trips or anything  else in order to achieve their potential/aspirations.

At the meeting, the RWB Museum group presented the Town Crier, Owen Collier, with the King’s Badge for his uniform, replacing his current emblem of the late Queen. The group was honoured to make the presentation in recognition of Owen’s long standing dedication, hard work and voluntary service.

A speech was also delivered by the Town Council’s T-Level Students, Kenisha and Rudi, who are undertaking a year-long placement with the Town Council for one day a week, as part of their studies. Their speech highlighted the council’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement, including initiatives such as the skate park project, the development of a new youth council and opportunities for work experience.

The Chief Officer’s address highlighted the strong involvement of local community groups and youth initiatives, including partnerships with schools, Wiltshire Police, cadet organisations and the Mini Police scheme at St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy.

With special thanks to Councillor Steve Bucknell, retiring Mayor, Lisa Williams and the Church Choir, Graham McCallion Photography, Royal Wootton Bassett Bellringers, St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy Mini Police, Army Cadets, Delicias Catering. St Bartholomew & All Saints Church, The Church Croft, RWB Memorial Hall Trust, Wiltshire Police and MOD Lyneham.

Please click Past Mayors to download list of previous Mayors.

INVITATIONS TO THE MAYOR

Supporting community events is always a highlight in the diary of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, whether it is an official opening of a new shop, an invitation to attend an amateur dramatics production, or the honour of being invited to present an award at one of the many clubs and organisations in the town. If you would like to invite the Mayor to your event, please get in touch early, as the Mayor’s Diary is generally busy! Requests can be made through our resident My Bassett portal, or call the office on 01793 850222,  or come in to see us at The Manor House, Lime Kiln, RWB SN4 7GJ.

DONATIONS

To enable the Mayor to raise funds for local charities, the Council relies on local businesses donating prizes to be used on raffles and tombolas. The Mayor may feel it necessary to visit local shops, pubs and businesses around the town to ask for prizes as sometimes the local shop owners/businesses prefer a more personal approach and consequently more likely to support the charity.

MAYOR’S ALLOWANCE

The Mayor may be paid an allowance to meet the expenses of his office (LGA 1972, ss 15(5) and 34(5). The Local Government Act does not stipulate the type or category of expenditure for which the Mayor may use the Civic Allowance. However, it is commonly described as recompense for the expenses of maintaining the dignity of the Office.

Furthermore, general items include:

• Clothing and partners clothing
• Donations to local charities (under s137 power)
• Poppy wreaths
• Collections
• Personal hospitality (including lunches and dinners)
• Attendance to engagements
• The Mayor’s official Christmas card