Making connections for the wellbeing of our communities
Cllr Sallie Barker MBE is our new Mayor. She was elected at the traditional Mayor Making ceremony that took place in the Guildhall on 8 May 2024.
Sallie has a passion for bringing people together to work towards a common goal. She hopes that her Mayoral year will provide an opportunity to do this.
The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker, MBE said:
"Over the 36 years I've lived in Guildford, I've been involved with many community groups and organisations.
"I'm keen to use the knowledge, experiences, and skills I've gained from my voluntary and public roles to benefit residents in Guildford and surrounding villages."
"By encouraging conversations about our wellbeing, I'll add my voice and support to those helping people struggling in their daily life."
Charity support and fundraising
During her Mayoral year, Sallie is keen to support as many local charities as possible. She will hold and attend a range of fundraising events to support the differing areas of need within the borough.
She wants to help:
- raise the profile of the charities involved
- make sure that more people are aware of their work and can access their services
Sallie's first fundraising event
The Big Charity Fundraising Walk on Sunday 19 May. It's a collaboration with Rotary in Guildford.
Sallie explains:
"I'm unable to fundraise for all the great charities in our borough, but I will attend as many events as possible. This way I can raise the profile of organisations and help them fundraise for themselves."
Focus on two charities
Guildford Philanthropy will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. To mark this significant anniversary, Sallie will be helping them to raise funds. Guildford Borough Council and The Community Foundation for Surrey established this charity together.
The new Mayor will also be supporting the Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund. The fund provides vital support by granting small sums of money to help those in genuine need.
More about Sallie
Sallie lives in Guildford with her partner, Phil. They enjoy living in Guildford and taking long walks in the nearby countryside. They have 27 goldfish in their garden pond and a 10-year-old cat, Harry, who spends his time trying to catch them!
Sallie was:
- elected a Guildford Borough Councillor for Pilgrims Ward in May 2023
- appointed as Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2023-24
Find out more about our new Mayor
Deputy Mayor for 2024-2025
Cllr Howard Smith becomes the Deputy Mayor for this municipal year. He:
- was elected a Councillor for Westborough Ward in May 2023
- is a member of the Planning Committee