Cheltenham welcomes new mayor and appoints Honorary Freemen

The annual inauguration of the Mayor of Cheltenham was held at Cheltenham Town Hall at 6.30pm yesterday (Monday 18 May).

Councillor Martin Horwood succeeds his predecessor, Dr David Willingham, and Councillor Mike Collins is deputy mayor.

The mayor chairs the council and represents the borough at many local business and charity events throughout the year. This year, the new mayor has decided to focus his fundraising efforts towards three charities: Art for All Mental Health, Young Gloucestershire and ITSA Digital Trust.

The town hall was packed for the occasion which featured Indian classical dancer Gyatiri Gauri Shankar, local poet Chloë Jacquet who starred in this year's Cheltenham Poetry Festival, young dancers from Corraine Collins Dance Studios and Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts young performer of 2025 singer Jess Abiona who really raised the town hall roof.

In his speech marking 150 years of Cheltenham's mayoralty, Councillor Horwood paid tribute to past mayors including the founder of the art gallery Baron de Ferrières and independent MP and mayor Daniel Lipson who was also President of the Cheltenham Synagogue.

Councillor Martin Horwood said: “It is the honour of my life to have been elected mayor of my home town by my fellow councillors. I have promised to be a mayor for all communities in our wonderful town. I want to do everything I can to support my three chosen charities who do fantastic work helping young people, mental wellbeing and access to technology. I’m really looking forward to meeting residents, community groups and businesses over the coming year.”

Dr David Willingham, out-going mayor, said: “I am delighted we raised £6,000 for my charities, Men in Sheds, Sea Cadets and The Rock. They all have sites in St Peter's ward, but their positive impact is felt right across Cheltenham and beyond. It's been a privilege to serve as mayor seeing first-hand the dedication of so many residents, volunteers and community groups who give their time to support others. I would like to thank all those who donated or supported my charities. Handing over the cheque is a wonderful way to conclude my elected service in Cheltenham.”

In the same ceremony, the council awarded the title of Honorary Freemen to Dave Bath, Clare Seed, and Steve Cotterill.

Honorary Freeman is the highest award that the council can bestow. It is granted to local people who have, in the opinion of the council, made an outstanding commitment to the local community and through their service, dedication and expertise have been able to enhance the standing of Cheltenham and its residents. Honorary Freemen receive a commemorative medal, a scroll and a traditional Honorary Freeman’s robe for formal civic occasions.

Dave Bath was awarded Honorary Freeman for the many years of selfless service as a volunteer supporting his local community. He has provided volunteer maintenance work for Cheltenham Saracens Football Club for many years, organised a local food project to support his community through the pandemic, been a leading figure in the plans to regenerate the local area through the St. Peters and the Moors Big Local project. He is also widely known for coordinating the annual Christmas selection box and Easter egg appeals and was previously awarded the Cheltenham Medal of Honour in 2024.

Clare Seed was awarded Honorary Freeman in recognition of her work with Public Hearts CIC, establishing a network of over 116 publicly accessible defibrillators across Cheltenham. Her efforts have brought together businesses, community organisations, faith groups and volunteers to create a life‑saving legacy, with defibrillators already shown to have saved lives in real emergencies.

Steve Cotterill, who was born and raised in Cheltenham, was awarded Honorary Freeman in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Cheltenham Town Football Club. Across two managerial spells he has led the club to significant success, including promotion to the Football League and, more recently, stabilising the team after his return in 2025 while rebuilding strong links with supporters.

Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of the council, added: “These awards reflect the very best of Cheltenham. Whether through community service, sport or charity, our recipients have each played an important role in helping our borough thrive.”

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Medal of Honour for 2026, which was awarded to Leigh Norwood, in recognition of his services to the Cheltenham Samaritans.

Follow the mayor on Facebook, Mayor of Cheltenham.

Make a donation to the mayor’s charities.

For further details about the awards contact Jennie Ingram, personal assistant to the mayor on 01242 264108 or [email protected].

For media enquiries contact: [email protected] or call 01242 264321.

Cheltenham welcomes new mayor and appoints Honorary Freemen

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