The Mayor Making began in a non-traditional way – Mr Hemmings Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers have now been joined by some young ladies.

For the second year in a row the ceremony took place at St Helens Church, and Reverend Paul Smith began and ended the Mayor Making with some prayers.

Abingdon Town Band played music before, during and after the ceremony.

The new Mayor is Jan Morter – a well known councillor, and music teacher in these parts.

Alice Badcock, the previous Mayor, is seen here with some past Mayors (from left to right) … Lorraine Oates (2007-8), Alice Badcock(2016-17), Julie Mayhew-Archer (1997-8), Helen Pighills(2015-16), Jeanette Halliday (1998-9). And behind them Duncan Brown(2010-11) with child, and Samantha Bowring(2013-14).

The new Deputy Mayor is Margaret Crick – a very hard working councillor.

Nigel Warner, our excellent Town Clerk, officiated, and is seen here watching as Margaret signs the oath of office.

The Mayor Making is conducted as a ceremonial Council Meeting, where: Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, for the next year, are all voted in.

At the end everybody was invited to the South Aisle for a drink. This is the official photographer who will send pictures to the papers and post some on The Abingdon Facebook page.