They spend much of their public life in chains. They are civic figureheads who carry on centuries-old traditions and fly the flag for the town and area they represent.
Far from being an outmoded ceremonial role out of kilter with modern life, mayors today seem to be as popular as ever. Why, Andy Burnham, our Prime Minister, was Manchester mayor. Previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson was London mayor.
Over time there must have been hundreds of Shropshire mayors, who have made a tremendous contribution to life in the county, not least through their charity appeals during their terms of office.
Here we shine the spotlight on just a few mayors from yesteryear from across the county.
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1. Oswestry mayor-making
The retiring mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Geraint Pritchard, places the chain of office on the new mayor, Councillor Mrs Kathleen Gwendoline Roberts, at the mayor-making ceremony in May 1970. Right is Mr R Peart, the town clerk. | Shropshire Star
2. Counting coupons
Back in January 1990 Ellesmere's mayor, Councillor John Williams, was urging motorists to donate the assortment of vouchers, stickers and coupons they received when they visited the pumps to the Eglantyne Jebb sports and community hall appeal. The plan was that they would then be used to obtain prizes for a fundraising event in the town in the summer. | Shropshire Star
3. Going green in Wem.
Councillor John Williams had been installed as the new mayor of Wem in May 1986. Most of his leisure time was spent in the greenhouse in his Noble Street garden. | Shropshire Star
4. A chat over coffee
In July 1989 Oswestry’s town mayor, Councillor Mrs Bernice Willis, held a coffee morning at the Memorial Hall in aid of Project 2000 to renovate the parish church. One of her guests was the past mayor, Mr John J Pritchard. | Shropshire Star