AS PEOPLE GATHER outside the Hedon Town Hall tonight (Thursday 17th March 2012) to get their first glimpse of the new Mayor and to enjoy the fun of the Hedon Penny Throwing event, most will be unaware of the ages-old Mayor Making ceremony that will be played out behind the scenes.

King Edward III granted a Charter of Incorporation in 1348 which gave Hedon the rights to be a self-governing borough and to elect a Mayor. The Mayor Making ceremony has now become a traditional and formal part of Hedon Town Council’s Annual General Meeting. This is how events are expected to take place this evening:

Following prayers, Councillor Jim Lindop,  will be formally elected by other councillors as the Chairman of Hedon Town Council and by that election will also become Hedon Town Mayor. The new Mayor will then retire to the Town Hall Parlour for his official robing.

Hedon Mayor Chain of Office

Whilst the new Mayor dons his official Mayoral regalia, tributes will be paid to the retiring Mayor Councillor Ann Suggit for her marvellous work in representing the town, acting as its ambassador, raising money and highlighting good causes.

The new Mayor returns to the Council Chamber and will be invested with his Chain of Office by the retiring Mayor. The new Mayor will announce the appointment of his new Mayoress, his wife Sue Lindop in this case, who will be presented with her Chain of Office.

The election of the Deputy Mayor then takes place, and Councillor John Dennis will be invested with the Deputy Mayor’s Chain of Office.

The Town Council will then conduct the business of appointing its essential Committees and set the schedule of meetings for the rest of the year. There will then be an announcement of the date of the Mayor’s Civic Parade and Service.

The 665th Hedon Town Mayor will then leave the Town Hall with the other Civic Leaders and officials to meet the public outside the building – especially the children who will be eagerly waiting to gather the pennies from the Hedon Penny Throwing.