The following information explains the correct procedure when the Mayor attends a public engagement. The Mayor is the First Citizen of the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth, and as such takes precedence over all other citizens, and should be regarded as your principal guest.
The Mayoralty is politically neutral and cannot therefore accept invitations which could be construed as having a political bias.
It is not customary to ask the Mayor to perform a secondary role within his own Borough, apart from two exceptions:
- When Royalty are present
- When Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant is present
The Mayor takes precedence over Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and visiting personalities.
If the Mayor is not hosting the engagement he should be seated on the immediate right of the host. It is customary for the Mayor to be the first speaker; however, an introduction by the host is acceptable.
Contact Details | Online Services | |
Phone: | 024 7637 6359 | |
Fax: | 0870 608 9456 | |
Email: | mayor@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk | |
Service Unit: Contact address | Chief Executive's Office Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council The Mayor’s Parlour Town Hall Coton Road NUNEATON Warwickshire CV11 5AA | |
How to invite the Mayor
Please write to the address above, email, or complete a ‘Request Form for Mayoral Attendance’ (available direct from the Civic Officer) providing your personal details and giving brief details of the event, including the date, time and venue. Telephone bookings will not be accepted. It is important that you provide plenty of notice when inviting the Mayor to attend an event, and a minimum of 14 working days notice is required. If a Civic Head from another Borough/District has also been invited, this must be mentioned in the invitation.
In correspondence the Mayor should be addressed by the full title of ‘The Worshipful the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Gerald Smith." The opening address should read ‘Dear Mr Mayor’.
When received, the Civic Officer will check the Mayor’s availability. The Mayor, if unable to attend, may then by agreement arrange for the invitation to be extended to the Deputy Mayor. The Deputy Mayor, when acting for the Mayor, should be accorded the same precedence as that which would be accorded to the Mayor.
You will be advised as to whether attendance by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor is possible.
If the Mayor or Deputy Mayor are able to attend, a standard questionnaire ‘Briefing Form for Attendance of Civic Head at Functions’, will also be sent to you. The questionnaire should be returned as soon as possible, but not later than 14 days before your event takes place.
If the Mayor is to be asked to speak at any function he should be supplied with as much information as possible. Provision is made on the standard questionnaire; however, if there is not sufficient space, a separate sheet should be appended.
When the Mayor and the Mayoress attend an engagement it is essential they are met upon arrival at the entrance (by an appointed person), they are accompanied throughout the time they remain at the function, and they are escorted to the Civic Car at the end of the engagement.
Download the Mayoral Invitation
How to Address the Civic Heads
The Mayor
The correct and full title of the Mayor is:
- The Worshipful the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Gerald Smith
- Addressed in direct speech as ‘Mr Mayor’
The Mayoress
The Mayoress is a courtesy title, but nevertheless is a title to be accorded respect similar to that of the Mayor. The Mayoress accompanies and assists the Mayor at occasions. The full title is:
- The Mayoress, Mrs Sheila Billingham
- Addressed in direct speech as ‘Madam Mayoress’ or ‘Mayoress’ (not Lady Mayoress)
The Deputy Mayor
The correct and full title of the Deputy Mayor is:
- The Deputy Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Tom Wilson
- Addressed in direct speech as ‘Mr Deputy Mayor’
The Deputy Mayoress
The Deputy Mayoress is a courtesy title, but nevertheless is a title to be accorded respect similar to that of the Deputy Mayor. The Deputy Mayoress accompanies and assists the Deputy Mayor at occasions. The full title is:
- The Deputy Mayoress, Councillor Sonja Wilson
- Addressed in direct speech as ‘Madam Deputy Mayoress’ or ‘Deputy Mayoress’ (not Lady Deputy Mayoress)
Request to Visit Mayor’s Parlour
If you wish to visit the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Nuneaton, please write to the address above, email, or complete a ‘Request Form to Visit Mayor’s Parlour’ (available direct from the Civic Officer). Telephone bookings will not be accepted.
Please provide your personal details and give brief details outlining the purpose for your visit, as well as providing some convenient dates/times so a mutually convenient date/time can be arranged with the Mayor.
For information, it is advised that due to fire regulations and comfort, the Mayor’s Parlour can accommodate a maximum party of 15 people (adults and/or children).
You will be advised formally in writing regarding the outcome of your request.
Download and complete the Request Form to visit the Mayors Parlour.
It is hoped that these guidance notes will prove helpful to you, however, if you require any further information please contact the Civic Officer at the Town Hall who will be pleased to help.
