Runnymede Borough Council

Runnymede Borough Council has existed in its present form since the local government re-organisation in 1974, and is the successor to Egham Urban District Council and Chertsey Urban District Council. Originally created as Runnymede District Council, it was granted the status of a Borough by Royal Charter in 1978. Although it only has a population of 80,500, its name has a worldwide resonance because the Magna Carta Charter was sealed here in 1215 on "the water meadows between Staines and Windsor". The Borough's crest picks up the themes of the great charter - the Crown, the Church represented through Chertsey Abbey, the Royal swans, the green of the meadows and the blue of the River. They are brought together in the Borough's motto, "In Freedom, We Serve".

In heraldic terms, the armorial bearings amalgamate the arms granted to the former Chertsey and Egham UDC's, and the motto - "In freedom we serve" combines the ideas from Egham's "Ut homines liberi sint" (That men might be free) and Chertsey's "Servire contendimus" (We strive to serve).

The Mayor of Runnymede

The role of Mayor is a non-political post and the Mayor is the civic head of the Council. Within the Borough, the Mayor takes precedence over all except the Queen and her representative, the Lord Lieutenant. This high standing is a traditional one of honour and dignity, rather than constitutional. The Mayor is the "first citizen of the Borough" and acts as an 'ambassador' for the Council.

In addition, the Mayor acts as Chairman at meetings of the Full Council and has an important role in regulating proceedings and debate. This role is formally set out in the Council's Constitution. Runnymede is one of the few councils which continues to operate a committee-based system, giving every councillor - as opposed to simply a smaller executive - a practical input into the way local services are administered.

Current Mayor of Runnymede

Incoming Runnymede Mayor, Cllr Yvonna Lay ceremonially receives the Mayoral gown and tricorn from outgoing Mayor Cllr Linda Gillham.

The Mayor's Charity

More information to follow shortly on the new Mayor's charity.

How do I invite the Mayor to my event

Runnymede's Mayor is always delighted to be invited to local events, such as activities at schools, charity projects, and so on. If you want to invite the Mayor to come to your event, you can phone, write or send an email to the Mayor's secretary using the following contact details.

Contacting the Mayor

You can contact the Mayor as follows:

The Mayor's Secretary
Runnymede Borough Council
Runnymede Civic Centre
Station Road
Addlestone KT15 2AH

01932 425502
the.mayor@runnymede.gov.uk