Thetford’s new Mayor and Mayoress, Vic and Joanne Peters, were formally sworn in during a ceremony at the Guildhall on Tuesday 19th May.
The Large Court was packed with family, friends, past Mayors, local councillors and dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of Norfolk, as the town marked the beginning of a new civic year.
Entertainment during the evening was provided by Magic Floor Productions, while Cllr Stuart Wright shared some of the history behind Thetford’s mayoralty, believed to be the third-oldest in the country.
Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Peters said he was honoured to take on the role and thanked fellow councillors and council staff for their support and work over recent years.
“It is with great pride that Joanne and I take on these roles,” he said.
“I want to thank my fellow councillors for having faith in me and electing me as the Town Mayor for the coming year. I also want to formally thank them for the hard work they have done over the last three years, along with the council staff across all functions.
“This work has helped to improve our town, realising some of Thetford’s potential and it gives me great pride in what we are doing.”
The Mayor’s chosen charities for the year will focus mainly on youth organisations, including Thetford Boxing Club, 3rd Thetford Scouts and the Thetford Voices annual summer workshop.
“My priority for the forthcoming year is to attend as many of the wonderful groups that make up our great community,” he added. “I hope that we can do you and the town proud over the next year.”
Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Carla Barreto, reflected on her own year in office during the ceremony, describing it as one of the greatest honours of her life. She said she hoped people from diverse backgrounds would feel encouraged to believe they could make a difference in public life.
The evening also saw Cllr Mac MacDonald and his wife Sue sworn in as Deputy Mayor and Mayoress.
Deputy Mayor-Elect Cllr Mac MacDonald MBE – Image © Thetford Town Council
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated and supported by my fellow councillors for election as Deputy Mayor of Thetford,” said Councillor MacDonald.
“Having been proud to call Thetford home for the past ten years, my wife Sue and I very much look forward to supporting the Mayor and Mayoress in their duties.”
“I am committed to working closely with my fellow councillors and to serving our community with dedication, integrity and genuine care as, together, we continue to build a vibrant and inclusive future for Thetford.”
Councillor MacDonald has served as a Town Councillor since 2022 and represents Boudica Ward. He also supports the Norwich Road Residents Association.
The council’s annual town report was presented during the meeting, highlighting achievements including the VE Day 80 celebrations, a gold award at Anglia in Bloom and successful funding support for the restoration of St Peter’s Church.
