A look back at the Mayor of Guildford’s mayoral year 2024 to 2025
A look back at the Mayor of Guildford’s mayoral year 2024 to 2025
As final preparations are being made for this year’s Mayor Making ceremony on Wednesday 7 May, the current Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, reflects on her mayoral year.
She says: “I’ve had an amazing and rewarding year as the Mayor of Guildford. It’s one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Acknowledging that Guildford is a special place to live, work and do business, she goes on to state: “It’s the people that make Guildford so special.”
The support that Sallie has received this past year demonstrates the kindness and generosity of people living and working in Guildford.
Without their support she would not have been able to achieve so much in her mayoral year.
When asked for a few highlights, Sallie speaks fondly of her ride on a Harley Davidson and the commemoration service for the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Freiburg held in Freiburg cathedral. Having served as an officer in the Territorial Army for nearly 20 years and being a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings also took on a particular poignance for her.
She thanks the many groups and individuals that have helped her raise over £105,000 for fourteen worthwhile causes during her mayoral year.
Standout community fundraising events have included:
- The Mistletoe Ball in partnership with Guildford Philanthropy
- An afternoon tea celebrating International Women’s Day
- The Diversity Show which showcased incredible local talent
The Mayor has attended many other fundraising events and raised awareness for lots of local charities. In fact she has attended around 500 events and meetings and made over 100 speeches during her mayoral year.
Many people have spoken of the tireless commitment Sallie has shown during her mayoral year.
The previous Chair of Guildford Philanthropy and now High Sheriff of Surrey, Peter Cluff, said: “Sallie has been the most dynamic Mayor. The things she’s achieved and the energy she’s brought to the post has made working together with Guildford Philanthropy a pleasure.”
Vice President of the Rotary Club of Guildford Wey, Andy Bowen-Ashwin, commented: “The main thing that sticks in my mind for the year is whenever I went to an event, whether it be morning, noon or night, Sallie was there in the thick of it, supporting local events and the local community.”
Local resident and devoted supporter of the British Heart Foundation, Shirley West BEM, praised Sallie, saying: “Sallie has been the only Mayor I’ve ever known that has worked so hard on so many charities. My charity was not one of her chosen charities, but every collection or event she’d pop in to represent Guildford and support whatever we were doing. She’s been an outstanding Mayor of Guildford.”
You can look back at Sallie’s mayoral year on the Mayor of Guildford’s Facebook page: @GuildfordMayoralty
Notes to Editor
The new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year 2025/2026 will be elected at the Annual Meeting of Guildford Borough Council being held at midday on 7 May 2025 in the Guildhall.
Agenda for Annual Meeting Part One (Mayor Making): https://democracy.guildford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=159&MId=2843
Photos supplied:
Mayor of Guildford on Harley Davidson
Lighting a candle for peace in Freiburg Cathedral
Credit WRAC Association Mayor of Guildford at Quakers Acre
Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk