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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5. Changing of the guard in Much Wenlock
The historic Guildhall of Much Wenlock was packed in May 1994 for the election of Councillor Mrs Audrey Williamson as mayor and Mrs Jean Childs as mayoress. Councillor Joe Platt said Councillor Williamson had served the town well since 1956 when, with her late husband, they had taken on the town’s post office. She had been a member of the town council for the previous 12 years. In her election address, Councillor Williamson stressed the importance of Wenlock’s history and traditions. From left, former mayoress Valerie Humphries, outgoing mayor Councillor Eric Humphries, town clerk Anne Downes, new mayor Councillor Audrey Williamson, and mayoress Jean Childs. | Shropshire Star
6. How! Big chief Lingen's magnificent legacy
One of the most consequential mayoralties in modern Shropshire history was that of Bernard Lingen. He was the Shrewsbury & Atcham mayor in 1979-80, during which time he launched the Cobalt Unit Fund, one of Shropshire's first big public appeals, which aimed to raise £1.25 million to build a cancer treatment centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. It was a spectacular success from which people in Shropshire and further afield continue to benefit to this day. This picture was taken on November 21, 1980, after Councillor Lingen, as chairman of the Shropshire and Mid Wales Cobalt Unit Fund trustees, took on the role of big chief when he received a cheque for £15 raised at a Country and Western function organised by Malinslee Neighbourhood Community Council. The money was presented by Mrs Dee Hull (Little Shadow) and Mr Alan Hull (Black Horse). | Shropshire Star
7. Jenny takes over
The new mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Miss Jenny Smallman, with retiring mayor Councillor Alan Middleton and deputy mayor Councillor Graham Wilson-Lloyd (centre), in May 1992. | Shropshire Star
8. Museum reopening
Bridgnorth Historical Society held a reception in March 1981 to mark the reopening of the Northgate Museum by town mayor Councillor Philip Rutter. The roof of the museum had been extensively repaired during the winter. From left, Councillor Rutter; Mr Frank Foxall, vice chairman; Mr William Buck, chairman; Mr David Hill, secretary; and Mr Frank Walker, president. | Shropshire Star