Westbury’s new mayoral robes have been worn for the first time by the Mayor of Westbury, cllr David Bradshaw.
The town council voted overwhelmingly in favour of buying the robes at a meeting on 2nd March, when the projected cost of £1,300 sparked some criticism.
However, the robes cost less than predicted, bought from Marlborough’s ex-mayor Marian Hannaford-Dobson, with a total cost of £979.
Cllr Bradshaw said, “I’m very happy with the robes and glad that this decision was made. People have been very supportive and in favour of the outfit.
“At a recent event at a care home there were people who likely didn’t know who I was, but I could see they understood what the robes symbolised.
“I don’t wear them to make myself seem important, I wear them to enhance the profile of the town council and create a presence, which they certainly do, and that in turn reflects well on the town.
“All robes are essentially the same and I have no problem with them being second-hand – every outfit is passed from one person to the next anyway, and these are practically brand new.
“As for the cost, the entire outfit was bought for much less than anticipated and over the time it lasts, the cost to taxpayers will be next to nothing.”
Marlborough’s councillor Hannaford-Dobson, had the robes specially made with faux fur, after refusing to wear the traditional real fur robes.
Marlborough Town Council returned to using their traditional fur robes when a new mayor was elected, and the new faux-fur robe was bought by Westbury Town Council for £500.
The outfit consists of a red full-length robe (£500), a black bi-corn hat (£380), and a white jabot (£99). An allowance has also been made for a tri-corn hat in case of a female mayor being elected in the future.
Above: The mayor in the ceremonial robes at The Laverton.
