An unlikely alliance between Ross Town Councillors of different parties saw off a bid to get rid of the town’s Civic Service and Mayor Making events.

Mayor of Ross Town Council, Colin Gray made the proposal at the meeting of the Town Council on Monday, February 8th as he said it would help to reduce costs.

The council heard that there is a £750 budget this year for the two events. The Mayor suggested keeping the Civic Service, which is held at St Mary’s Church and followed by a reception at Ross Bowling Club or a local hotel, and scrapping the Mayor Making ceremony at the Larruperz Centre.

Deciding which ceremony should take priority was questioned by Councillor Jane Roberts. She said that the Mayor Making should be given priority because it is a civic event, not a religious one. She said that as she has no religious faith she feels uncomfortable attending a church service and would support the disestablishment of church and state.

Councillor Phil Cutter, who has been Mayor several times, said he believed the Civic Service was important as it recognised the people who work in the town.

He said: “The main purpose of the Civic Service is for the Mayor and Town Council to recognise everyone who does so much work behind the scenes for the town.”

Councillor David Ravenscroft said he was concerned that the Council was even considering doing away with a Civic Service. He said it is a big event for the town and many people enjoy it. He added that he would prefer it if both events went ahead but the Council could just serve tea and biscuits, instead of a buffet.

Councillor Chris Bartrum said that he understood that many people worked very hard for the town before they became Mayor and the Mayor Making is an opportunity for them to share their achievements with friends and family. He said: “We don’t have to spend a lot of taxpayers’ money.”

Then, to the surprise of many Councillors, Councillor Harry Bramer said he agreed with Cllr Bartrum. He said: “We know these are stretched times and we have to spread funds more widely but I would hate to see the ceremony at the Larruperz Centre disappear, even if we do just have tea and biscuits.”

Cllr Bartrum applauded Cllr Bramer.

The Town Clerk reminded the Councillors that there are hidden costs involved with these events, such as postage and officer time to organise them.

Cllr Bartrum said he thought the adminstration costs were already accounted for in general office and staff costs.

Cllr Ravenscroft suggested that they keep the status quo and the Councillors could discuss other options for the future in March, such as allowing the individual Mayor to decide.

He proposed an amendment so that both events could be held within the budget. This was voted through, with two councillors, Cllr Colin Gray and Cllr Nigel Gibbs voting against it.