Saffron Walden Mayor Making Civic Service is historic first

The service believed to be the first time that all principal civic roles connected with the ceremony have been held by women.

Councillor Jeanette Curtis, the newly elected Mayor of Saffron Walden, was formally welcomed alongside Deputy Mayor Councillor Lucy Abercrombie, whose nine-year-old daughter performed Jerusalem during the ceremony.

The Churching of the Mayor service was led by Rev Dr Hilary Walker.

Councillor Curtis’ mayoral secretary Mary Denn arranged the ceremony, with support from town clerk Lisa Courtney and deputy town clerk Georgia Arnold.

Jeanette Curtis, Mayor of Saffron Walden, said: "It was a wonderful occasion and a privilege to take part in such an important civic tradition.

"To recognise that this may be the first time these key roles have all been held by women makes the event particularly memorable for Saffron Walden."

Distinguished guests included the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Lorna Rolfe, who described the service as "a joyful and uplifting experience, and so well orchestrated".

The High Sheriff of Essex, Mrs Susannah Dutton, said it was "a wonderful service of celebration, which incorporated readings from school children from R.A. Butler and St Mary’s Schools as well as a fantastic performance of Jerusalem from Saskia Abercrombie Walker."

Also in attendance was the Mayor of Dunmow, Councillor Carole Sullivan.

The occasion highlights the growing contribution of women to public life, and Saffron Walden Town Council has described it as a significant milestone in Saffron Walden’s long civic history.

Speaking on the day, Councillor Curtis said: "It was a lovely day and the church service with the children was magical.

"My family has served Saffron Walden for many years; we have six generations in the Saffron Walden Fire and Rescue Service, and my career has spanned over 34 years in the NHS and social care.

"As a family we believe in caring for our community.

The Mayor Making Civic Service remains an important annual tradition in the town, bringing together community representatives, civic leaders, and residents to mark the beginning of a new mayoral term.