SALISBURY has a new mayor – the 763rd person to assume the honour.

Councillor Sven Hocking (Con, Harnham East) has been elected to the role by Salisbury City Council and will represent the city for 2024/25 as The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Salisbury.

A mayor-making event on Saturday, May 11, was attended by more than 180 civic dignitaries, including Mayors from neighbouring towns and cities.

After assuming the role, Cllr Hocking said: “It is truly an honour to be elected as mayor of our amazing city.

“As mayor, I will continue to represent you, the residents, promote Salisbury’s businesses and attractions to the best of my ability wherever the opportunity arises, without fear or favour, as I have endeavoured to do over the past eleven years as a city councillor.

“Locally, I will be as public facing as I am able, so stand by for pop up ‘Meet the Mayor’ events, where you will be able to come and talk to me, and don’t be surprised if I turn up on your street, in your shop or in your pub.”

The Mayor’s Charity for 2024/25 will be the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which provides an emergency service to the people of Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.

Donations to the charity can be made via www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk, or through BACs payment using the details below.

Cllr Hocking will be supported during his mayoral year by the mayoress, his wife, Marcia Gould-Hocking.

The mayor’s chaplain will be The Reverend Canon Kelvin Inglis. The mayoral Scout will be Ryan, with Lottie as the reserve mayoral Guide, and Isabelle as the reserve mayoral Scout.

The Deputy Mayor for 2024/25 is Cllr Ed Rimmer.

Donation details: Account name: Salisbury Mayor’s Appeal, bank: Lloyd’s Bank, account number: 67253360, sort code: 30-99-50.