Mayor Making Day in Winchelsea remains one of the town’s most splendid occasions, its traditions deeply rooted in centuries of history and civic pride.
Proceedings began on Monday 5 April, as they have for generations, in the Court Hall, where the new mayor was formally sworn in by the town clerk before the town’s jurats and invited dignitaries.
This year’s ceremony was distinguished by the presence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Sir George Zambellas, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman.
A particularly touching moment came as the outgoing mayor, Peter Cosstick, reflected on a year shaped not only by duty but by a deep and abiding love of Winchelsea’s history. During his term of office, he worked closely with Year 6 pupils on a project exploring the town’s rich past. This had been a collaboration that brought heritage to life for a new generation.
As part of the celebrations, the Lord Warden presented the school with a Cinque Ports plaque, marking both the occasion and the enduring connection between Winchelsea and the historic confederation. Adding to the sense of occasion, Martin Bruce read aloud one of the many thoughtful and evocative poems written by the children: Walter, Sonny, Blake and Teddy wrote this one.
C coastal towns along the shore
I invaders they would watch out for
N navy ships were what they gave
Q quickly sailing on the waves
U underneath the English sky
E every sailor used to fight
P protecting England from the sea
O oldest towns of history
R Romney, Hastings, Hythe and more
T trading goods from shore to shore
S Sandwich and Dover complete the team and Rye and Winchelsea were very keen
Peter Cosstick and his wife Debbie, who have given so generously of their time and energy over the past two years, were warmly acknowledged for their service. In stepping down, Peter offered his full support to the incoming mayor, David Page, as he begins his year in office.
Reflecting on the Mayoring at Winchelsea Church, incoming Mayor, David Page, said, “It was wonderful to be joined by so many friends, members of the community and civic guests on Easter Monday. This was all in great contrast to the first time I became mayor in 2020, with Covid in the air and only two of us present in the garden for the handover, suitably distanced.”
“It was a great honour to have the Lord Warden, Sir George Zambellas, with us in the year when Winchelsea takes on the Speakership of the Cinque Ports, and I’m looking forward to getting to know my fellow mayors in the Cinque Port towns.
“I am enormously grateful to outgoing mayor, Peter Cosstick, who has laid solid foundations to take Winchelsea Corporation forward, and we are delighted to welcome a new Freeman, Ian Rowlands. I know that I can be sure of Winchelsea’s support as together we come under the Cinque Ports’ spotlight in the year ahead.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .