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 82,000, 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 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 David Parr ceremonially receives the Mayoral gown and tricorn from outgoing Mayor Cllr Mrs Margaret Roberts

Mayor making is a busy event - pdf document

The Mayor's Charities

One to One (North West Surrey)

The aim of this organisation is to increase the respect with which adults with learning disabilities are held by themselves and others, and to offer opportunities for isolated adults to participate in the life of their local community such as social activities evening, sports evenings, bingo and afternoon tea and a pub evening. They also provide respite for carers by taking responsibility for members for limited periods of time.

Scouts (Runnymede district)

The aim of the Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The method of achieving the aim of the association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, and guided by adult leadership.

St Peter’s Diabetics Unit

Aims to promote and support research into diabetes. Progress is being made in establishment of cause and treatment, but much time and money will be needed to finally prevent and eliminate diabetes.

St Peter’s Cardiology Unit

I have been very fortunate to visit St Peter’s second cardiac catherisation laboratory (cath lab) when it was opened in February 2010. The new lab enables cardiology consultants to perform Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) – a specialist non-evasive procedure for people who have suffered a major heart attack. The work and equipment in this unit is amazing and fully back the funds being raised for the specialist equipment.

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

Mayoral Chaplain

The Mayoral Chaplain is Rev Ben Beecroft.