Councillor Denis Murphy was elected Mayor of Congleton at a virtual Mayor Making ceremony held at the start of the Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting held on the 6th May 2021. Cllr Murphy will now serve as Mayor until May 2022. Cllr Murphy was previously Mayor of Congleton in 2008-2009 and 2014-2015.
Normally each new Congleton Town Mayor takes office at a colourful ceremony in the Town Hall in front of an audience of invited guests, however, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led to Mayor Making and council meetings for the past year being held online rather than in person.
The Mayor chose Mrs Joan Myatt to be his Consort, Rev Father William Kilkenny of St Mary’s Chapel has agreed to be Mayor’s Chaplain and Tom Gilman, Explorer Scout with Dane Valley Scout Group will be the Mayor’s Cadet for the forthcoming year. Councillor Margaret Gartside was elected as Deputy Mayor for the year.
The newly elected Mayor said: “I am looking forward to serving Congleton as Mayor over the next 12 months and will endeavour to do so to the best of my ability and with integrity, honesty and enthusiasm. I have a great team around me with my Consort, Cadet and Chaplain and I look forward to representing the town.”
During the year, the Mayor will be raising funds for various charities, but will be focusing predominately on The Christie Cancer Unit at Macclesfield Hospital and Local Youth Cadet Services.
Retiring Mayor Cllr Sally Ann Holland, handed over the chain of office to her successor at the Town Hall. Cllr Holland remained in office for an extra year 2020-2021 as Mayor Making was put on hold in Congleton during the first national lockdown.
The Mayor elect gave thanks and presented Cllr Holland, with the past Mayor’s medallion. Recognition was also given to the outgoing Mayor’s Consort and to her Cadet Eloise Williams from Congleton West Ranger Unit. The handover of the Mayoral Regalia and all formalities at the Town Hall were conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
The Mayor’s Civic Parade and Service will take place when Covid restrictions permit.
