NEWBURY TOWN COUNCIL HAS A NEW MAYOR!
Newbury Town Council’s annual Mayor Making ceremony was held on Sunday 10th May, marking the election of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the presence of local dignitaries, representatives of community organisations, invited guests and members of the public.
Cllr Jo Day formally took office as Mayor of Newbury for the 2026/27 municipal year on Sunday, upon signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and receiving the Chain of Office. Cllr Sarah Slack, having been elected as Deputy Mayor, will serve throughout the 2026/27 municipal year.
The morning began with a formal procession from the Town Hall through the Market Place, led by the Town Marshal and Macebearers, before the official ceremony commenced inside the Corn Exchange. Following the ceremony, a Civic Service was held at St Nicolas Church, with the event concluding with a reception at the Waterside Centre.
The Town Crier, Steve Wallis, opened the event, followed by the outgoing Mayor, Cllr David Harman, with a reflective speech on his year in office, highlighting more than 170 engagements with a particular focus on youth and the environment. Among the standout moments were support for Berkshire Youth, his chosen mayoral charity, and efforts to engage young people through local democracy presentations in schools and community groups.
He also noted Newbury’s environmental achievements, including winning the Thames and Chiltern in Bloom Best Large Town Trophy for the first time and the planting of the “Tree of Hope” at Greenham Common. His year in office also celebrated Newbury’s strong community spirit, with highlights including cultural events, support for local health initiatives, the arts, and remembrance commemorations.
In her inaugural address, the newly elected Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jo Day, said she was honoured to have been chosen for the role and thanked fellow councillors for their trust and support. Her husband, Cllr Ian Jee, was appointed as the Mayor’s Consort. Reflecting on her journey since first attending Mayor Making as a newly elected councillor in 2007, she spoke of her pride and anticipation for the year ahead.
Cllr Day reaffirmed her commitment to local democracy, community service and civic life, and outlined her intention to meet residents and support volunteers across the town throughout her mayoral year. She also announced that Newbury Cancer Care will be her chosen charity. Encouraging a spirit of community, she called on residents to value one another, appreciate what they have and work together to enhance life in Newbury. She concluded by sharing her theme for the year: “Be kind, be thankful and be ready to serve.”
Musical accompaniment was beautifully provided by InCantata, a local female community choir, led by musical director Nic Cope. The Civic Service was led by the Revd. Joy Mawdesley, Associate Rector of St Nicolas Church, with an address given by Revd. Peter Timothy, Minister of Newbury Baptist Church and the Mayor’s Chaplain. Prayers were led by Di Cullen, a friend of Jo Day and member of Newbury Baptist Church.
Contact: mayor@newbury.gov.uk
Photographs by jelena ilic - Newbury Photography Club
