Chard’s new mayor, Cllr Tricia O’Brien, was formally welcomed into office at a special Mayor Making Ceremony held at Chard Guildhall on Sunday 9th August. Town Clerk, Stephen Hill led the proceedings.
Around 100 guests gathered at the Guildhall to mark the occasion and celebrate Cllr O’Brien becoming Mayor of Chard. She took over the role from former mayor Cllr Victoria Bates on the 18th May 2026, with Sunday’s ceremony providing the opportunity for the town to formally celebrate the change of mayor.
The event brought together representatives from across the local community, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Alexander Priest, mayors from surrounding towns, representatives from the Mayor’s chosen charities, town councillors and community group representatives.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the civic role of the mayor and the important part the office plays in representing Chard and its community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr O’Brien talked about how she came to living in Chard and the connections she has made:
“I am delighted to have been proposed Mayor for 2026/2027 by my fellow councillors. I have also had the honour of serving as a Town Councillor on three different occasions and as a District Councillor. As they say, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose—but I always seem to find my way back! What has never changed is my love for Chard and my enjoyment of meeting people, listening to their ideas and doing my best to help our town. It is an absolute privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.”
Her year in office will also shine a spotlight on the causes she has chosen to support, with her mayoral charities being Chard Men’s Shed and The Hive Young Person’s Centre.
Representatives of the charities were among those attending the ceremony, who said a few words, highlighting the close connection between the mayoral role and the community organisations and causes that benefit from its support.
Peter Stefanovic, representing Chard Men’s Shed said:
“Being chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities is a great honour for Men’s Shed, Chard
It recognises not only what we do but also the importance of what we do: connect, create, converse to support Men’s wellbeing.
We are grateful for the Mayor’s confidence in us and the opportunity to raise awareness of what we do and helping us in our challenge to secure a new home for the shed in the future.
Men’s Shed Chard provides a way out of isolation and loneliness, where new and lasting friendships are made.”
We then heard from Jason Baker, representing The Hive Young People’s Centre who said:
“The Hive Young People’s Centre provides a safe, inclusive and supportive space for children, young people and families across Chard and surrounding communities, helping them build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Since April 2026, it has delivered 44 sessions and over 91 hours of direct provision, reaching 198 young people and families, including those facing additional challenges such as SEND, financial hardship, caring responsibilities and social isolation. Through youth clubs, after-school and holiday activities, family support, food and clothing provision, home education and community initiatives, The Hive takes a preventative approach to addressing issues such as poor mental wellbeing, food insecurity and barriers to opportunity. The organisation now aims to become Chard’s primary centre for youth and family support, working closely with Somerset Council, the NHS, schools and community partners, but requires sustainable investment to expand its capacity and reach. Investing in The Hive is therefore an investment in early intervention, community wellbeing, resilience and the long-term future of children, young people and families in Chard.”
The ceremony also brought together civic representatives from neighbouring towns, with visiting mayors helping to give the occasion a wider community and civic feel.
Mayor of Crewkerne, Cllr Alice Samuel said:
“The Guildhall was an ideal location for this event, where the guests were carefully seated to ensure everyone had a good view and of course the air conditioning was most welcome on such a hot afternoon. As always, it was very grand to see the Mayors previous and present in their glorious robes and also with the Mace Bearer close to the Mayor’s side demonstrating its emblem of power.
I was grateful for the Order of Service and although I understood the roles of the dignitaries, many guests would have found the explanations useful.
I particularly enjoyed how Tricia’s family were involved and especially loved the harmonies from Blackdown Acapella – what a treat!”
The formal proceedings were followed by entertainment, bringing a celebratory finish to the afternoon. Blackdown Acapella performed for guests, providing a musical finale to the Mayor Making celebrations.
For Cllr O’Brien, the ceremony marked an important milestone and a chance to officially celebrate the beginning of her term alongside fellow councillors, civic representatives, charity supporters, friends, family and members of the wider community.
Reflecting on the occasion, Cllr O’Brien said:
“I would also like to express my thanks to Town Clerk, Stephen and all the team at the Guildhall for making my afternoon memorable, could I send a special thanks to events Officer, Tim for all your hard work and putting up with me keep changing things and to Gary for standing in as Mace Bearer at short notice and doing an amazing job.”
The Mayor Making Ceremony at Chard Guildhall offered a fitting welcome to Cllr O’Brien, bringing together the town’s civic, community and charitable organisations for an afternoon celebrating Chard and the people who help make the town what it is.