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Mayor And Deputy Mayor of Taunton in their robes

Mayor of Taunton

The Town Mayor represents Taunton on ceremonial occasions, welcomes national and international visitors and attends events organised by local people and community groups. The current:

  • Mayor of Taunton is Councillor Nick O’Donnell
  • Deputy Mayor of Taunton is Councillor Vanessa Garside

The office of the  Mayor is steeped in tradition and ceremony. The insignia of the mace, robes, and chains of office, connects the present day with history and acts as a symbol of continuity. The modern visionary Mayor has a central role in representing the Council and the people, as the Town’s First Citizen.  The Mayor can come from any class, gender or ethnic background. This diversity reflects the more open and democratic society we now live in.

Contact the Mayor

  • By email to the Civic Office [email protected]
  • In writing to Civic Office, Taunton Town Council, PO Box 866, Taunton TA1 9GS or
  • By telephoning the Civic and Engagement Lead on 01823 793 637

Please only contact the Civic Office if the matter is with reference to an engagement.

To invite the Mayor to an event

The many engagements undertaken by the Mayor act as a link between the various groups and organisations in the town. The Mayor takes the Council’s messages out into the community and works towards achieving the five corporate priorities of the Town Council Corporate Plan 2024-27. Equally, the Mayor can share the views and concerns of the community with the Council.

If you would like the Town Mayor to support, open or attend your event, Please complete the Mayor’s booking form and return to the Civic Office.

  1. Mayor’s booking form in MS Word format
  2. Mayor’s booking form in PDF format

Political Stance

Regardless of their political affiliation whilst acting as an elected Councillor, during their yearlong office the Mayor is obligated to be impartial and represent the council and Taunton as a whole.

The role is strictly non-political and representative of every section of the community. It is particularly focused on cultivating the positive image of the Town and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

Addressing the Mayor

The full address for formal occasions is ‘The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor.…’. For more informal occasions Mr Mayor or Madam Mayor, whichever is appropriate, is more customary.

There are also prescribed forms of address to be used when speaking to or addressing visiting dignitaries. The Civic Office will offer advice to ensure that the appropriate form of words is used.

Attire and use of the Mayoral Regalia

The form of attire required at any occasion will be determined by the type of function to be attended. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will normally wear the formal Regalia and Chains of Office on the following occasions:

  • Annual Town Meeting
  • Annual Meeting of the Council
  • The Mayor’s Civic Service
  • Remembrance Sunday
  • Such other occasions as deemed appropriate.

The Regalia of Office means the gown, jabot, gloves, hat and Ceremonial Chains of Office or the Mayoral/Day Chain. The Civic Office will advise the Mayoral Party on the appropriate form of dress for a particular event or occasion.

Mayor's Charity 2023/24

The Mayor’s charity for 2023/24 is CHARIS Refugees, charity number 1169400.

CHARIS supports and resettles all those who are displaced by war or persecution providing them with the skills they need to integrate into the local community and become independent.  Founded in 2016 by three local Taunton churches, CHARIS supports refugees and asylum seekers from all nations and has four areas of activity:

  1. The main refugee Welcome Centre in Taunton, Somerset provides English classes, employment support, drop-in, benefits and budgeting support, social activities, activity classes, signposting and referral and training in new skills
  2. CHARIS is partnered with five other organisation and charities to run a programme of additional Welcome Centres across Somerset
  3. Sponsor and support the resettlement of vulnerable refugee families through the UK Government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme
  4. Work with newly arrived asylum seekers in our area to provide them with practical and integration support
Charis Logo

‘Bringing hope and transforming the lives of displaced people, one life at a time’