Former Deputy Mayor, Cllr Margaret Gartside was elected Mayor of Congleton during a Mayor Making ceremony at the Annual Council Meeting on Thursday 12 May in the Town Hall. Cllr Gartside has been appointed to the position for the coming year until May 2023.
The Mayor chose Kati-Leigh Newson of the Air Training Corps (ATC) 230 Congleton Squadron to be her cadet and Rev Anne Marie Naylor of Astbury Church has agreed to be mayor’s chaplain. At the same meeting, Congleton town councillors voted Cllr Rob Moreton to serve as Deputy Mayor. Cllr Moreton asked his wife Helen to be the Deputy Mayoress.
Cllr Gartside said: “I feel proud and privileged to have been elected to serve as Mayor of our wonderful Congleton town during this historic 750 Charter Year. I am passionate about tackling climate change and preserving our planet for future generations and believe we all need to act and act now.
She continued: “During my year as Mayor I intend to help as many local Congleton-based charities as possible and am happy to be contacted about ways in which the Mayor can add value to their activities.”
The ceremonial proceedings saw retiring mayor Cllr Denis Murphy and the newly appointed mayor retreat for the change of robing. On their return, Cllr Murphy, handed over the chain of office to his successor. The mayor elect gave thanks and presented Cllr Murphy, with the past mayor’s medallion. Recognition was also given to the outgoing mayor’s consort, Joan Myatt and to his cadet Tom Gilman from the Dane Valley Scout Group.
Local groups and organisations are encouraged to join in the Mayor’s Civic Parade and Service on Sunday 19 June 2022. The parade will form-up behind the Town Hall at 2pm ready to parade along the High Street to St Peter’s Church at 2.15pm.
