Cllr Ioan Jones takes office as new Mayor of Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury has elected its new Mayor for the coming year, Councillor Ioan Jones.

Councillor Jones officially took office at the annual meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council last night.

The mayor-making ceremony, which was held at Theatre Severn, saw Councillor Jones take over the role as civic leader from outgoing Mayor, Councillor Miles Kenny.

Councillor Jane Mackenzie was also appointed as Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Jones said his main aim as Mayor is to encourage and support inclusivity, tolerance and understanding.

He said: “I wish to bring the mayoralty to all sections of our community, schools and youth clubs, factory, office and shops floors, day centres, residential homes and hospitals.”

The incoming Mayor also outlined his fundraising plans for the year.

“I will not be nominating a specific charity, instead I will be attempting to raise enough money to purchase a defibrillator for each of our five secondary schools, two colleges and our Special School here in Shrewsbury,” he said.

Councillor Jones added that he would also use his mayoral year to assist in the promotion of business economy, tourism and the heritage of the town.

He will now be officially sworn in at a civic service held at St Chad’s Church on Sunday 15 May.

The service will start at 10am and will be preceded by a parade from the castle to St Chad’s, departing at approximately 9.35am, by way of Castle Street, Pride Hill, Shoplatch, Bellstone, St. John’s Hill and St. Chad’s Terrace, led by the Shrewsbury Brass Band.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Following the church service the traditional Loving Cup ceremony will take place at which the Mayor will be invited to drink from the Loving Cup and toast the Queen and town. The congregation will then be invited to share the toast.