Mayoral invitations

The more formal the engagement, the more important it is that the role of the mayoralty is understood and recognised. It is hoped that these notes will be of assistance to organisers of events where the Mayor will be in attendance.

Form of address

The correct form of address is "His Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Erewash, Councillor .........." In conversation, the Mayor should be addressed as 'Mr Mayor'. In the case of a female Mayor, the correct form is "The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Erewash, Councillor .....", and addressed as Madam Mayor.

Engagements

It is important to supply the Civic Support Office with the following information well in advance of the engagement:

• Your daytime telephone number or the number of a daytime contact if you are not available during working hours
• The name of the person who will be meeting the Mayor on arrival
• The name of the person who will introduce the Mayor to key people
• The name of the President/Chair of your organisation
• The names of other officials or special guests who are likely to be introduced to the Mayor
• The order of proceedings and any duties you wish the Mayor to undertake
• Background information about your organisation so the Mayor can be briefed
• Depending upon the nature of the event, it is important that the Mayor and Mayoress are not unattended or left to fend for themselves.

Precedence

The law is that the Mayor, as chair of the borough council, has precedence within the Borough, but not so as prejudicially to affect Her Majesty’s Royal Prerogative.

The effect of this is that on most occasions, particularly formal ones, it is necessary that due consideration be given to the status of the Mayor in arranging processions, seating plans, speeches, receiving parties and so forth.

Occasionally other holders of high office in the county, such as the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the chair of the county council or Members of Parliament, are also involved in events. Such gatherings often raise difficult questions of protocol. There are also some local practices to which the Council has regard. In such circumstances, you are advised to consult with the Civic Office who will be only too glad to assist.

Arrangements

All details of the engagement should be sent to:

Susan Dunkley, Mayor and Member Officer 
Erewash Borough Council 
Town Hall 
ILKESTON 
Derbyshire
DE7 5RP

Tel: 0115 9071115; Fax 0115 9071121
email: sue.dunkley@erewash.gov.uk

The Mayor welcomes invitations to attend events held by local organisations.

Due to demand it may not be possible to attend every event to which the Mayor is invited. We will contact you should the Mayor be available to attend your event within five working days.