The following notes have been prepared as a guide to organisers who receive the Mayor and/or Mayoress/Consort and in order that the Mayor may be aware of the procedure to be followed at individual functions.
Please note that the title of Mayor applies to either Male or Female.
1. Time of arrival
The Mayor and Mayoress/Consort will arrive at the time requested on the Attendance Form. Please allow at least 5 minutes before the commencement of the event.
2. Arrival details
It is essential the Mayor and/or Mayoress/Consort is met on arrival by the Organiser or Host (e.g. Chairman) who will then introduce the Mayor and/or Mayoress/Consort to people attending and escort them to their places. Please notify the Mayor’s Office of any changes to the event.
3. Seating arrangements
If the Mayor is not presiding, his/her seat should be on the Chairman’s right. If the Mayoress/Consort accompanies the Mayor her/her seat should be on the Mayor’s right.
If the Mayoress/Consort attends unaccompanied by the Mayor, her/his seat should be on the Chairman’s right.
4. Modes of address
- Writing or Printing:
- The Worshipful the Mayor (and Mayoress/Consort) of Wigan.
- The Mayoress of Wigan
- The Mayor and Mayoress/Consort of Wigan
- Orally:
- Mr/Madam Mayor (the title of Mayor applies when the Mayor is a lady).
- Mayoress/Consort
5. Precedence
The Mayor takes precedence at all functions he attends, the only exception being when there is a member of the Royal Family present or the Lord Lieutenant who is the Queen’s representative.
The Local Government Act 1972 provides that the Mayor shall have precedence in the Borough, but not so as prejudicially to affect Her Majesty’s Royal Prerogative. Accordingly, the place reserved for the Mayor should be on the immediate right of the Chairman or other person presiding. The Mayoress/Consort should be seated on the immediate right of the Mayor or on the left of the Chairman or person presiding.
When the Mayoress/Consort is attending unaccompanied by the Mayor, her seat should be in the position as indicated for the Mayor.
6. Speeches
If the Mayor is to be called upon:-
- to propose or respond to any Toast at a Luncheon, or Dinner;
- to speak at any other functions to which invited;
it would be most helpful, if information could be given regarding the organisation concerned and the order of the proceedings.
So that the Mayor’s remarks shall be appropriate to the occasion, the organiser is asked to forward to the Mayoral Secretary, at least ten days before the function the name of the Toast, or the subject upon which the Mayor will be expected to speak and, in appropriate cases, to set out in short paragraphs:-
- particulars of the history, activities and progress of the organisation concerned and any other details to which the organiser may wish the Mayor to refer;
- points to which it is desired that particular reference should be made; and
- the names of any persons to whom reference should be made and their respective offices.
7. If the function is a public or semi-public gathering at which the Mayor will not be expected to make a speech, please complete the relevant parts of the questionnaire and forward it as soon as possible, with the Agenda including a timetable or order or procedure.
8. In view of the many calls upon the Mayor’s time, organisers or secretaries should not forward reports or other printed matter of lengthy character. The Mayor prefers short paragraph form as requested in Section 6 above.
9. It is customary to offer refreshments to the Mayor’s Attendant in appropriate cases (e.g. Mayor’s attendance at dinners).
Please do not hesitate to contact the Mayor’s Office on 01942 827156 should you require further guidance or information.
