Before the annual Mayor Making, Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council met at the Guildhall to do ‘boring things’ such as deciding committee places.

The Council, led by the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Gwyneth Lewis, paraded down to St Helen’s Church to be welcomed by the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.

The Morris Dancers then danced around the Mayor-elect, Councillor Gabby Barody,

Councillor Gwyneth Lewis made a short speech about her year as Mayor and gave a cheque of £2,060 for her charity, Reducing the Risk. She also gave Abingdon Mayor’s Awards to members of the Community,

Judy Hashman, the secretary and organiser of the Abingdon and District Volunteer Centre, should have been first, but sadly since accepting the award, Judy had died, and the award was collected by her son and family.

There was an award for Frank Jordan who helps make Abingdon Lock the friendliest on the River Thames, and has been volunteering there for twelve years.

There was an award for Roger Baker who is one of Oxfam’s longest serving volunteers with 55 years of loyal and dedicated service

DAWN (Didcot, Abingdon, Wantage Talking Newspaper) also got an award. Members have been providing a service for 31 years for the blind and partially sighted.

Councillor Gabby Barody was elected the new Mayor and received the chain of office and Mayoral robes.

She signed the declaration of office and made a short speech. The theme of her year will be inclusivity. Her charities will be One Planet Abingdon and The Abingdon Voluntary Services.

The new deputy Mayor is Councillor Rawda Jehanli.

The ceremony ended with closing prayers from the Mayor’s Chaplain. Deacon Selina Nisbett was chaplain last year, and will continue as part of a multifaith chaplaincy with four people, including Father Jamie – Roman Catholic, Dr Hamid Al-Shejni – Imam, Ms Pat Winslow – Humanist.

The Abbey Brass  played the National Anthem. The Mayor and their party then stopped near the back to greet councillors and guests. Light refreshments were served.