Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council is delighted to announce the election of Mayor, Councillor Steve Bucknell, following the Mayor Making Ceremony at the Annual Town Council meeting on Thursday 15th May 2025.

Councillor Fiona Holness 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 High Sheriff, Martin Nye and Assistant  Police Crime Commissioner Ian Saunders.

We were also delighted to host the Prime Warden of the Guild of Macebearers, Paul Mayhew, who presented our Town Crier, Owen Collier, with a Masters of the Guild Award for his many years of service and dedication – an award that is truly deserved. Congratulations Owen!

Mayor, Councillor Steve Bucknell has chosen two charities for his Mayoral Year. The first is The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust who provide much needed support to vulnerable members of the community at risk of house crime, hate crime, domestic abuse or fire and offer support for online safety. The second charity will be one whose primary focus is on suicide prevention in men. But there is a problem – before the ceremony the Mayor and Town Council have been unable to find a suitable local charity. This, in itself, tells the tale. We will continue to seek out an appropriate charity and welcome suggestions from the community.

With special thanks to Lisa Williams and the Church Choir, Graham McCallion Photograpy, Royal Wootton Bassett Bellringers, St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy Mini Police, Air Cadets, Delicias Catering. St Bartholomew & All Saints Church, The Church Croft, RWB Memorial Hall Trust, Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire & Dorset Fire Station.

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