Mayor of Worthing receives new community-funded robe
Released: Tuesday, 12 November 2024
The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Ibsha Choudhury, debuted a new mayoral robe at the town's remembrance services thanks to fundraising led by the local community.
Residents worked together to fund the creation of a new animal-friendly mayoral robe after concerns that the town's historic robes were not appropriate for all wearers.
Worthing's original mayoral robe dates back to 1890 and has been worn by successive first citizens for special civic occasions. The original scarlet robe is lined with Russian sable fur and worn with white gloves, lace cuffs and a lace jabot.
To ensure the tradition of the town's mayoral robes remains accessible to mayors of all beliefs and backgrounds, former Mayor of Worthing Lionel Harman, an alderman of the borough, launched a fundraiser this summer to create a new and inclusive robe for future Worthing mayors.
More than £2,300 was raised by members of the public for the appeal, which was supported by Paul Holden, the editor of The Worthing Journal. Once the target had been met, Mr Harman used the funds to order the new robe.
Following its creation, the new mayoral robe was formally presented to Cllr Choudhury in the Mayor's Parlour at Worthing Town Hall by Mr Harman.
Councillor Sophie Cox, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said:
“It's great that the council now has a mayoral robe that can be worn by people of any background for many years to come.
“With the mayor's original robe and chain being funded by residents, it's lovely that the new animal-friendly robe has been funded in the same way. I'd like to thank Mr Harman and everyone that contributed to the appeal for their generous donations.”
The new animal-friendly robe was worn for the first time by Cllr Choudhury at Worthing's Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day services on 10th and 11th November respectively.
Photos: The Mayor of Worthing, Cllr Ibsha Choudhury, receiving the new mayoral robe from Lionel Harman
Photo: The Mayor of Worthing, Cllr Ibsha Choudhury, wearing the new mayoral robe at the town's Armistice Day service
(PR24-078)
Page last updated: 13 November 2024