Mayor Making

Each year the Town Council, which is composed of 22 Members (Councillors) elects one of it's number to be the Mayor of Chippenham and another to be Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year.

The Annual Meeting of the Council (traditionally known as Mayor Making) is held in early May each year. The ceremony is attended by the Mayor, Macebearer, Town Clerk, Town Councillors and special guests and is held in the Town Hall.

The Mayor is dressed formally in a red robe, edged with fur, jabot and wears the Chain of Office. The Macebearer wears a green robe edged with gold braid and carries the silver Mace. The Town Clerk wears a wig and black velvet robe and the Councillors also robe.

The Mayor

The Town Mayor holds office from the Mayor Making ceremony of one year, held in early May until the ceremony of the following year. The Mayor is regarded as the first citizen of the Town and irrespective of gender is known as Mr Mayor.

The Mayoralty is a position which gives the opportunity to promote and uphold the special character of Chippenham as well as being appointed as Chairman of the Town Council and presiding over meetings of the Full Council.

The Mayor accepts hundreds of invitations to visit organisations, charities and groups representing all parts of the local community, wearing the Chain of Office as appropriate. All invitations should be directed through the Office and will be dealt with by the Mayor's Secretary. The Mayor may designate a Mayoress or Consorts as appropriate and may choose to support a named charity throughout his/her year of office.