A PROCESSION of mayors, consorts, council leaders and friends led a march through Chard last week for the town’s official mayor making ceremony.

Earlier this year, Cllr Jason Baker was elected as the latest mayor of Chard, and the ceremony marked his official taking up of the role.

In attendance were 10 mayors and consorts, three chairs of councils, leaders of district councils and the high sheriff of Somerset.

The procession was led by the Royal British Legion standard bearer and followed by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev. Georgina Vye, the mace bearer Clive Sanders, and the town crier Stuart Cumming.

The parade left the Guildhall to walk to the church for the service at St Mary’s Church.

Cllr Baker said: “The service was both civic and joyful with the Wiveliscombe Town Band providing music as the procession entered.

“My charities for the coming year are Cancer Research UK, Memory Café, The Project and Little Daffodils.

“A collection was taken for these charities.”

Following readings from Sara Dowell and Mick Clark, the Mayor stood to take an act of commitment, followed by the commissioning of the town councillors.

Cllr Baker added: “The atmosphere of the day was one of positive energy and of working together, something, it is hoped, will continue throughout in the coming year.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended the service and thanks go to the organist and everyone at St Mary’s Church, Liz Johnson-Idan our community Liaison Officer, Wiveliscombe Town Band, the caretakers in the Guildhall and the Haymaker Inn who provided very welcome refreshments.”