Dear Sir

The Mayor, apart from being the leader and Chair of the Town Council has the role of representing Hadleigh at Civic functions throughout Suffolk and North Essex. While these functions include attending civic services and other Mayor's fund raising events the real work undertaken at these events, which might be perceived as 'jollies' is both promoting our town and learning what and how other towns are functioning.

In 1618 when Hadleigh received it's Borough Charter It clearly defined the robe that the Mayor was to wear. When in the 1974 local government reorganisation Town councils were reformed Hadleigh, having previously sold it's regalia in the 1690's sought and received public donations to provide a Mayoral chain. In the 1990's councillor, Jane Haylock was mayor, and at mayoral functions received some derogatory comments about Hadleigh not having a robe, so Jane using the 1618's instructions and researching designs of the period made a Mayoral robe and hat and presented them to the town..

Hadleigh is unusual in that it's robe is in simple black material and with gold (synthetic) braiding.

The robe is loose to fit all sizes, and the hem has to go 'up and down' according to the height of the Mayor. It is a large loose fit, does not button or tie up, and knowing the robes well I can not imagine a Mayor that it would be too tight on. 

So is it surprising the Hadleigh's robes and hat are disintegrating after all of these years?

The cost to have a new robe and hat made by one of the professional companies would be exorbitant, The cost of a seamstress / dressmaker making a new robe and hat using the current gown for a pattern is minimal in comparison.

The amount of attention Hadleigh's robes attract at functions are the envy of many Mayor's and it's history is unpriceable.

Is it not time we began showing some pride in our marvellous town instead of constantly knocking it, and a little of our pride could be shown by letting this and future Mayor's have a new robe to be proud of?

Yours,

Jan Byrne

Mayor wants to double budget for new hat despite cost of living crises