This afternoon, the city welcomed a new Lord Mayor, Councillor James Wright, and Sheriff Dr Jan Sheldon, at a formal ceremony in City Hall.
Both donned their robes and chains to mark the official start of the new civic year 2023-24.
During the ceremony, the Lord Mayor spoke of the trust involved in the “prestigious role” as being “perhaps the greatest honour someone born and bred in our fine city can have bestowed upon them”, committing to doing his utmost “to repay that trust”.
He described how the events he and the Sheriff would attend during their civic year were: “an opportunity for us to say thank you, on behalf of the city, to the many citizens who work tirelessly – day in, day out –for the benefit of others.”
The Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Jan Sheldon spoke of the “legacy of notable women in Norwich” and how the: “breaking down inequality barriers and campaigning for women’s rights is something women of Norwich have been doing for many years”, attributing it as: “another reason I am able to stand here before you today.”
On her appointment, the Sheriff said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to serve in this role in a city that is close to my heart. Norwich is such a vibrant place to be and it is a huge honour to be in a position to champion all that is good about our city.
I look forward to offering support and encouragement to the many individuals and organisations who play a vital role in caring for our community.”
Both Lord Mayor and Sheriff, and members of council, thanked the outgoing civics – Cllr Dr Kevin Maguire and Caroline Jarrold – for their hard work over the previous two years.
Civic charity appeal 2023-24 announced
The new Lord Mayor and Sheriff announced their civic charity appeal for 2023-24 as Norfolk Community Foundation.
Claire Cullens, chief executive of the charity said:
“We are honoured to have been chosen as the civic charity of the year.
At Norfolk Community Foundation, we are committed to supporting local people, communities and voluntary organisations to thrive.
Rapidly rising food prices mean that the cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting people on low incomes.
By directing support to our Nourishing Norfolk initiative, we can offer people in Norwich a local place to shop on a budget and the chance to access the support they need.”
For more information or to donate, visit our Civic Charity page.
Other significant appointments and announcements
At the same meeting, Cllr Caroline Ackroyd was appointed as Deputy Lord Mayor to chair council meetings in the absence of the Lord Mayor, and Her Honour Judge Alice Robinson as Honorary Recorder – the city’s judicial representative.
- Councillor Michael Stonard was appointed as leader of the council and he announced his cabinet as:
- Councillor Beth Jones
- Councillor Cate Oliver
- Councillor Emma Hampton
- Councillor Adam Giles
- Councillor Paul Kendrick.
Cheque for Home-Start Norfolk
In a reception for close family and friends, consorts and other distinguished guests of the new civics later on, the outgoing charity, Home-Start Norfolk was presented a cheque for £18,794.02, representing the monies raised during the civic years 2021-2023.
- More articles in the news archive
- Norwich City Council news RSS feed
