On Thursday 20^th May 2021, at the Annual Meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, Councillor Steve Walls was elected as Mayor of the Town and Community for the 2021-2022 civic year.

The socially distanced meeting was held in St Bartholomew & All Saints Church and was the first in person meeting in over a year, since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

On his chosen charities, Councillor Walls said “I am looking to help those that support people in the town. It has become apparent over the period of the lockdown’s that people require help over many different matters. I would wish to have discussions with groups to see how I could help.”

At the same meeting, Councillor Steve Watts was elected as Deputy Mayor. As from 9 September 2021 Councillor Pat Farrow has taken on this role.

To find out what the Mayor has been doing throughout his 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: enquiries@royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk or come in to see us at 117 High Street, RWB SN4 7AU.

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