Diss Town Mayor, Eric Taylor, officially appointed at St Mary's Church

Members of the public came to celebrate the appointment of Diss mayor Eric Taylor earlier this month.

On Sunday September 12, people were invited to St Mary’s Church, in Mount Street, to witness the official mayor-making of Cllr Taylor, 76.

“I was delighted to see so many representatives from local organisations,” said Cllr Taylor, who took over from his predecessor, Sonia Browne, earlier this year.

“It was particularly nice to see mayors and mayoresses from six neighbouring towns and chairmen from three county and district councils.”

During the ceremony, Cllr Taylor, who has now served on Diss Town Council for four years, shared his delight at being able to see so many people in person. Also in attendance was the now mayoress, Eileen Taylor, 74.

“After many months of Zoom meetings, it’s lovely to be with so many of you in person today,” said the father-of-two, who grew up in Bury, Greater Manchester.

“I am proud and honoured to stand here as the elected mayor of our historic, vibrant and diverse market town of Diss.

“My fellow members bestowed great privilege and responsibility upon me and I take the trust they’ve shown me very seriously.”

A collection held after the ceremony raised £116 pounds for the mayor’s chosen charity, Mind, which offers support and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf.

“My chosen charity has been heavily influenced by events of the last 18 months when the pandemic took hold,” said Cllr Taylor.

“I know from my own experience how anxiety and lack of knowledge can affect the mental health and wellbeing of so many of us,” he added.