The Mayor of St Edmundsbury is a traditional role given to a councillor for one year. The council meets in May each year to decide which councillor will be Mayor. The current Mayor of St Edmundsbury is Councillor Robert Cockle. The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Margaret Charlesworth and her consort is Mr Roger Charlesworth. Their term in office is from 15 May 2008 to 14 May 2009.
The information provided below is to assist organisers who are planning an event to which the Mayor/Deputy Mayor is invited.
The Worshipful The Mayor of St Edmundsbury should be contacted via The Mayor’s Secretary:
Jenny Bradin The Mayor’s Secretary
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Borough Offices
Angel Hill
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1XB
Phone: 01284 757135
Fax: 01284 757137
Email: mayors.office@stedsbc.gov.uk
Requests for attendance are dealt with strictly in order of receipt and any adopted protocols of the council.
As the Mayor is regarded as the First Citizen of St Edmundsbury in all normal circumstances, he/she ranks above everyone else when attending functions within the borough. In formal seating arrangements (dinners and so on), the Mayor should be seated on the immediate right of the host/chairperson.
The only exception to this would be if the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk was present in his official capacity as the Sovereign’s representative, or a member of the Royal Family. In which case they would be given precedence over the Mayor. When the Deputy Mayor is representing the Mayor, the same precedence which is afforded to the Mayor should also be given to the Deputy.
It is essential that the organiser or host (president, chairperson, other official) greets the Mayor/Deputy Mayor upon arrival and then accompanies the civic dignitary for the duration of the event. On departure the official should escort the Mayor/Deputy Mayor from the function.
Etiquette
Introductions
The correct title for introducing the Mayor is: The Worshipful The Mayor of St Edmundsbury
The correct title for introducing the Deputy Mayor is: The Deputy Mayor of St Edmundsbury
In speech/conversation
The Mayor is usually referred to as: Mr or Madam Mayor
The Deputy Mayor is usually referred to as: Mr or Madam Deputy Mayor
Written
The Mayor: The Worshipful The Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Cllr …….
The Deputy Mayor: The Deputy Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Cllr …..
Salutation
The Mayor: Dear Mr or Madam Mayor
The Deputy Mayor: Dear Mr or Madam Deputy Mayor
When the Mayor is accompanied by a mayoress the correct from of address is simply ‘Mayoress’. A female mayor’s husband, consort or escort should be addressed by name for example Mr Smith.
When attending functions within the borough the Mayor normally wears the Chain of Office. If appropriate for functions held outside the borough boundary, permission will be sought by the Mayor's secretary from the appropriate district council for chains to be worn.
Please be advised that the Mayor/Deputy Mayor during his/her term of office remains impartial and is unable to attend or become involved in any political or contentious matters.
The Mayor/Deputy Mayor is also unable to attend any function that might use the presence of the civic dignitary for commercial gain.
Civic events
Download the civic events calendar 2008 (PDF 69Kb)
