An evening of tradition and celebration took place at Stamford Town Hall tonight to mark the inauguration of the new Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Amanda Wheeler.
Mayor Making is a traditional civic event held at the beginning of the new municipal year and brings together civic dignitaries and guests for an official ceremony that marks the transition of leadership from the previous Mayoral team to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Guests were welcomed by Town Crier Andrew Downing and the ceremony began 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.
During the ceremony, the new Mayor took an oath accepting the office, and there was a ceremonial presentation of the robes of office and the chains of office. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Gary Waterfall delivered an oath to the King with the Mayor.
Medals were presented to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Kelham Cooke, and the outgoing Mayoress Lois Simpson. Ceremonial chains of office were also formally presented to the Mayor’s Consort Fergus Wheeler, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jane Kingman and the Deputy Mayor’s Consort Philip Archer.
Stamford’s Poet Laureate Ross Ayres also read a poem written specially for the occasion. Recognition was also given to both the outgoing and incoming Mayor’s Cadet as well as the Deputy Mayor’s cadet, a new role introduced this year.
The Mayor, who also serves as Chair of Stamford Town Council, said: “I am extremely proud to take on the role of Stamford Mayor this year and to be supported tonight by so many members of the community that I have got to know during my time on the council.
“I am committed to doing my best to serve the people of Stamford during the coming year and to raising funds for the three charities I have chosen: Mindspace, George’s Food Hub and 2nd Stamford Town Scouts. I am grateful to the staff at the Town Hall for their dedicated service and the support they have shown me and would like to thank my fellow town councillors who give so much time, energy and passion to their roles.”