The Mayor of Saffron Walden
Councillor Jeanette Curtis
On Tuesday 12 May 2026 Saffron Walden Town Council hosted its Annual Meeting for 2026, during which Cllr Jeanette Curtis was appointed as Mayor and Cllr Lucy Abercrombie was appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2026/27.
Cllr Curtis’ Mayor Making Civic Service was held on Saturday 16 May. Attendees included the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Lorna Rolfe, the High Sheriff of Essex Mrs Susannah Dutton, the Mayor of Dunmow Cllr Carole Sullivan, fellow Town Councillors, the Town Clerk and officers, along with friends and family of the Mayor. Representatives from two of the Mayor’s chosen charities, Together in Sound and The Garden Youth Music Project, were also in attendance and the Mayor has also chosen Teenage Kicks Plantation Youth Football Club. Fundraising activities will be announced in due course.
The Churching of the Mayor service was conducted by Rev’d Dr Hilary Walker, and featured readings and poetry by pupils from R.A.Butler and St Mary’s CofE Primary School. 9-year-old Saskia Abercombie Walker, daughter of the Deputy Mayor, sang a heartfelt rendition of Jerusalem accompanied by the grand piano.
Said the Mayor, “Thank you to everyone who supported me at the Mayor Making Ceremony. It was a lovely day and the church service with the children was magical. My family has served Saffron Walden for many years; we have 6 generations in the Saffron Walden Fire and Rescue Service, and my career has spanned over 34 years in the NHS and social care. As a family we believe in caring for our community. Thank you all for trusting me to serve the Saffron Walden community, in the town I love.”
The Mayor’s chosen charities are:
Together in Sound
Together in Sound is a weekly music-making group for people living with dementia and their carers, delivered by Saffron Hall.
Garden Youth Music Project
Run by Joanna Eden and Kevin Sporle, The Garden provides a safe space for young people to sing, write, play and share music together.
Teenage Kicks Plantation Youth Football Club
Providing football opportunities and facilities for local children of all abilities, from ages 7 through to 17.
You may make a donation by BACS to:
Sort code 30 97 24
Account no. 01026035
quoting reference: your surname and ‘Mayor’s Charities’ or by cheque payable to Saffron Walden Town Council – thank you.
If you would like to contact the Mayor, please contact:
Mary Denn, Administration Officer & Mayoral Secretary
mary@saffronwalden.gov.uk
01799 516501
We are delighted to share a beautiful poem written by local primary school children to warmly welcome the new Mayor, Cllr Jeanette Curtis, at her Mayor Making Civic Service on Saturday 16 May 2026.
Written, and performed, by Hattie Roper, Marcel Plichta, Chloe West, Hugo Dovedi and Teddy Thomas, pupils from St Mary’s CofE Primary School:
Today we gather, proud and bright, In halls that shine with civic light, To mark a moment, grand and true, As leadership begins anew.
With chains of office, gleaming gold, A story of our town is told, Of past and future, side by side, In unity, respect, and pride.
We celebrate this honoured role, A duty carried heart and soul, To serve the people, strong and fair, With thoughtful mind and constant care.
Through every challenge that may rise, With steady hands and hopeful eyes, A guiding voice, both firm and kind, For every heart, for every mind.
This town we share, both old and new, Is built by many, not by few, By helping hands and voices strong, That lift each other all along.
And now a Mayor takes the lead, To answer every call and need, To stand for all, both near and far, And be for us a shining star.
So let us cheer and celebrate, This special day, this proud new state, With hope that grows and dreams that soar, For all that lies in years in store.
With gratitude, we now proclaim, And honour this respected name, As Mayor, we wish you all success, In service, strength, and happiness.
All Together:
With voices joined, we proudly say,
We welcome you as Mayor today!
Photos by Walden Local
