An official inauguration was held for the Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, in the historic courtroom at Stamford Town Hall.

The evening started with a procession of the Civic Party entering the courtroom, led by the ceremonial maces and the 15th century wand of office from Stamford’s regalia collection.

The ceremony has been a time-honoured tradition embraced by other councils, but this is the first time Stamford Town Council has adopted the format.

During the ceremony, the Mayor takes an oath accepting the office and there is a presentation of the ceremonial robes of office and the chains of office. Ceremonial chains of office were also formally presented to the Mayoress Lois Simpson, Deputy Mayor Councillor Amanda Wheeler and the Deputy Mayor’s Consort Fergus Wheeler.

The Town Crier welcomed guests to the ceremony on September 26 and the Mayor’s Chaplain Rev. Fr. Neil Shaw provided a blessing. Musical fanfares were provided by Stamford Brass and a poem written for the occasion was read out by Stamford’s Poet Laureate Caroline Avnit.

During the ceremony medals were presented to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Andy Croft, and the outgoing Mayoress Ann Croft. A shield was also presented to outgoing Deputy Mayor Marion Pitt and recognition was given to the incoming Mayor’s Cadet.

Honour and privilege

Councillor Kelham Cooke was elected as Mayor of Stamford in May 2024, with a term of office lasting until May 2025. Due to the 2024 General Election, the official ceremony was postponed until September.

He said: “It’s a great honour to take up the esteemed role of Mayor of Stamford and I am privileged to be able to serve my hometown and work hard on behalf of the residents of the town.

“It’s an incredibly proud moment for me to take part in the official inauguration and I thank everybody who played a part in a splendid evening of ceremonial tradition and celebration. I look forward to a fantastic year of civic engagements as well as playing a part in the wealth of excellent community events that take place in the town.”