Ludlow Town Council is pleased to announce that Councillor Diane Lyle has been formally elected as Mayor of Ludlow for a second term in the civic year 2026/27. Cllr Lyle, who served as Mayor during 2025/26, made her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and delivered her address to a full auditorium of visiting Mayors, civic dignitaries, councillors, invited guests and members of the public at the Mayor Making Ceremony held on Wednesday 27th May at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

During the ceremony, Cllr Lyle presented a cheque for £5,000 to representatives of the charity Working Together Ludlow, raised during her mayoral year. She also announced her chosen charities for 2026/27: St Michael’s Hospice and Working Together Ludlow.

Ludlow Town Council also confirmed the appointment of Councillor Pete Addis as Deputy Mayor for 2026/27.  Thanks were extended to retiring Deputy Mayor Cllr Kathy Cowell for her service over the past year.

Further civic appointments included:

• The Venerable Sam Hustwayte, Archdeacon of Ludlow, as Mayor’s Chaplain
• Mr Nick Chapman as Sergeant at Arms
• Mr Nick Walford as Mace Bearer

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Ludlow’s Civic Awards, celebrating outstanding voluntary service and community contribution. Five awards were presented to:

• Ludlow Cancer Support Group – for creating a warm, supportive community for people affected by cancer and for their remarkable fundraising and environmental initiatives.
• Mike Beazley – for long‑standing leadership of the Pride of Place litter picks, contributing countless hours to keeping Ludlow cleaner and greener.
• Friends of Whitcliffe Common – for tireless voluntary work maintaining Whitcliffe Common and ensuring it remains safe, accessible and enjoyable year‑round.
• Andy Wright – for valued voluntary work with the Friends of Whitcliffe Common and for helping showcase their efforts to the wider community.
• Ludlow Military Veterans Group – for providing vital wellbeing support to local veterans and raising significant funds through The Great Tommy Sleep Out. 

The ceremony concluded with thanks from the Mayor and an invitation for guests to join the Civic Party for refreshments.