Mayor Making ceremony goes virtual

Date issued: 16 October 2020

One of the highlights of the civic calendar, Colchester’s annual Mayor Making ceremony, is set to be streamed online for the first time – and the public is invited to watch as the virtual event takes place on the 21 October, at 6pm.

In a departure from tradition, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Mayor and Mayoress elect, Cllr Robert Davidson and Mrs Liz Davidson, will join the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Nick Cope and Mrs Elizabeth Cope, and senior council officials, for a small swearing in ceremony in the Grand Jury Room at the Town Hall.

Following his election, Cllr Davidson will be sworn in as Colchester’s 188th Mayor. As custom dictates he will then receive the badge of office and his Mayoral robe, before returning thanks for his election. He will be accompanied by his wife, Liz, who will become Mayoress.

Following the election of the Mayor, council members will be invited to elect Cllr Tim Young as Deputy Mayor, who will then receive the Deputy Mayor’s robe and badge of office. His partner, Nicola Goodchild, will become Deputy Mayoress.

The ceremony, which was to have been held at Moot Hall last May, will see the new Mayor declare his theme for the period of his mayoralty and name several charities that will benefit from fundraising.

Cllr Robert Davidson said: “Liz and I are tremendously honoured to represent the people of Colchester this year. Being nominated as Mayor is an immense privilege and I hope we can highlight the extensive and wonderful work that is carried out by our volunteers and communities across the borough, of which we should be proud.

“During the Covid lockdown it was heartening to see how all the communities pulled together and helped each other, and I very much look forward to meeting those volunteers and communities during my mayoral term and seeing all the good work they achieve.

“It will be a huge pleasure to share this great occasion with all those who wish to attend online.”

To watch the Mayor Making ceremony live, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColchesterCBC

For more information on the Mayor and civic events visit www.colchester.gov.uk/mayor