Civic Service for the Mayor of Guildford:
On Sunday 12 May 2024 a Civic Service for the new Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, was held at the Holy Trinity Church in Guildford. The Sermon was performed by Canon Simon Butler. The service included a performance by the Guildford Rock Choir, readings to reflect on Civic Duty and spoke to the charity work of the Mayor, Cllr Sallie Bakers’ theme for her year as Mayor is “Making connections for the wellbeing of our communities” and wants to “encourage conversations about our wellbeing”
Guildford Borough Council’s website describes Sallie Barker:
Sallie began her commitment to public service during her teaching career. She served as an Officer in the Territorial Army for nearly 20 years. She moved to Guildford in 1988. She lives in Guildford with her partner, Phil. They enjoy the many social opportunities on offer and taking long walks in the nearby countryside.
She’s been a councillor of Pilgrims Ward since 2023 and was Deputy Mayor for 2023-2024.
The Promise of Office
The purpose of the service is to affirm that the Mayor has been duly elected and makes a promise before God and the congregation to serve the Borough and its people.
Mayor’s Chaplain: “As Mayor, you stand before God and this congregation to affirm your intent to serve this Borough and its people, upholding all that is right and good in our town and villages, and honoring God with your life and service during your year of office.”
The Mayor: “I, Sallie Barker, having been elected to the office of Mayor for the Council of the Borough of Guildford, hereby reaffirm that I have taken the said office upon myself.
I will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties thereof according to the best of my judgment and ability.
I have undertaken to be guided by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct in the performance of my functions in that office.
I do further affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors according to law.”
Concluding the service
After prayers and singing the National Anthem, the congregation was dismissed. The congregation processed out of the Church to return to the Guild Hall, where the Mayor thanked all for attending.