Mayor Making in Abingdon on Thames

Abingdon-on-Thames, the historic county market town and civil parish, presented its finest colours on Monday evening at its annual Mayor-Making held in the glorious surroundings of St Helen’s Church.

What a wonderful event, planned meticulously by the Town Council—welcoming and presented with a flourish of local talent, including the Town Cryer, music and dancing by the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, and the National Anthem performed by the Abingdon Town Band.

What a delight and privilege to be able to represent the High Sheriff on such an important occasion.

Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Gabby Barody, ended her year in office with many achievements and was gracious in thanking all who had supported her—including Cadets from the Army, Air Force, Girl Guides and Scouts. Becoming a Cadet is such a fantastic opportunity for young people, and it was wonderful to see them honoured.

Incoming Mayor, Councillor Rawda Jehanli, received the Mayoral robes and chain of office, signed the Statutory Declaration of Office, and then announced her Escorts for the year ahead. She also confirmed her Chaplain, Cadets, and chosen Charity—Occtopus.

Occtopus – Oxford Colon Cancer Trust – was founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals. It is a leading Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer charity, pioneering new treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis and Crohn’s. The charity influences how these conditions are treated across the NHS and funds breakthrough national and international research to improve patient outcomes and care.

Donations to the charity help to support research and innovation at the Oxford Colorectal Surgery department, which has an international reputation and leads the way in the management of colorectal diseases. Occtopus also funds UK-wide research and training in IBD and colorectal cancer. The team has pioneered laparoscopic, keyhole, and robotic surgery.

The charity is chaired by Professor Sir Neil Mortensen, Professor of Colorectal Surgery in the Nuffield Department of Surgery at the University of Oxford.

Revd Georgina Bondzi-Simpson MBE will serve as Chaplain to the Mayor of Abingdon for 2025–26.

2025–26 Cadets were also introduced, each one stepping forward with pride to serve their community in this new civic year.

It was a memorable evening, filled with civic pride, community spirit and real hope for the year ahead.