On Thursday 16th May 2024, at the Annual Meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, Councillor Pat Farrow was elected as Mayor of the Town and Community for the 2024-2025 civic year.

The ceremony was held in St Bartholomew & All Saints Church. Guests were welcomed with the church bells ringing, thanks to the Royal Wootton Bassett Bell Ringers and a Guard of Honour from Mini Police [St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy] and 2491 (Lyneham Air Cadets). Entertainment was provided by Cantantini Choir, Cantanti Choir and light refreshments supplied by Delicias Catering. The Mayor was honoured to present medals to members of the Cantantini Choir attending on the night.

Councillor Pat Farrow will be supporting RWB Environment Trust and The Richard Jones Foundation as the Mayor’s chosen charities.

At the same meeting, Councillor Martin Denz was elected as Deputy Mayor.

To find out what the Mayor does throughout their mayoral year please click on MAYORS BLOG

Please click on list for Past 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! Just call the office on 01793 850222, or email: rwbmayor@royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk 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