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Public applause greets new Mayor and Civic Procession on Guildford High Street

Public applause greets new Mayor and Civic Procession on Guildford High Street

Warm applause greeted the new Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jane Tyson, and the Civic Procession as it made its way back to the Guildhall after the annual Civic Service on Sunday 10 May. 

Held at Holy Trinity Church, the Civic Service marked the start of this Mayoral year and was attended by invited guests, including Deputy Lieutenant Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE, Honorary Freemen, Honorary Aldermen, Councillors, fellow Mayors and local dignitaries.

The service reflected the Mayor’s chosen themes for the year ahead: Vision, Vitality and Voice. Following the welcome and opening hymn, 11 year old Raffi confidently captured these themes, telling the congregation: “With vision we imagine a better future, with vitality, we bring it to life, and with voice, we make sure everyone belongs.”

Both celebratory and reflective in tone, this year’s Civic Service featured traditional hymns, prayers and readings, alongside several new elements that brought fresh perspective, including:

  • A short talk on the history of Guildford’s Mayoralty by Town Guide, Steve Callaghan.
  • A conversation on the theme of common good between religious leader, Canon Simon Butler, and civic leader, Pedro Wrobel, Joint Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council.
  • Beautiful singing by students from Merrow Junior School.

Cllr Tyson also repeated the Declaration of Acceptance of Office that she made at the Annual Mayor Making on Wednesday 29 April.

At the reception after the civic service, Cllr Jane Tyson, Mayor of Guildford, said: 
“My heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who helped make this civic service not only meaningful, but truly memorable for me, and my family.

“To my fellow councillors, fellow Mayors’ and other civic and faith leaders, thank you for joining us and for the work you do in service of our communities. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

“As Mayor of Guildford, I will honour this civic office and serve our community with pride.”

The reception also included a special celebration as the Mayor wished former Mayor and Honorary Alderman Keith Childs a happy 90th birthday. Guests joined together to sing Happy Birthday and enjoyed a slice of birthday cake to mark the occasion.

Notes to Editor

  • Borough Commander, Insp Blaine Rafferty led the Civic Procession
  • The Civic Service was led by the Reverend Claire Marren
  • Prayers were led by Reverend James Hanson, vicar of Burpham
  • Nick Graham, the Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church, led the choir
  • Readings were given by:
    • Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council
    • Andrew Whitby-Collins from SATRO, one of the Mayor’s chosen charities
    • Helen and Ann from Rosamund Community Garden, where Jane is a volunteer
    • Anna from Zero Carbon Guildford.

Photos supplied:

Civic procession led by Borough Commander, Insp Blaine Rafferty heading to Civic Service.

Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jane Tyson, repeating the Declaration of Acceptance of Office at Civic Service.

Civic procession heading back to Guildhall after Civic Service.


​ Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk