Truro celebrated the formal investiture of Cllr Christopher Wells as its new mayor at the Annual Mayor Making Ceremony on Monday, June 9 at Truro Methodist Church.

A highlight of the city’s civic calendar, the ceremony brought together councillors, dignitaries and members of the public in a traditional event that featured the formal robing of the mayor, the signing of the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, and the ceremonial handover of duties from outgoing mayor Cllr Carol Swain, who handed Cllr Wells the key to the city.

Cllr Wells was first elected to the council in 1983. He was conferred the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Truro in 2015, and also served on Cornwall Council from 2021 to 2025.

Cllr Wells is also general manager of Wiltshire Farm Foods in Cornwall, vice-chairman of the Kenwyn with St Allen Parochial Church Council, a member of the Hendra Community Group and a trustee and director of Young People Cornwall, which is one of his chosen mayoral charities.

Cllr Wells was proposed by Lorrie Eathorne-Gibbons, who said: “We have waited a long time for this day. Chris has 46 mayors in his ancestry, so service to the community is clearly in his blood.”

Her proposal was seconded by Cllr Steven Webb, who joked that his research had revealed Cllr Wells “arrived in Truro shortly after the completion of Lemon Street in 1801, and is looking good for 200 years”.

On a more serious note, he added: “Chris is a man of integrity, and with no show – he’s exactly what he appears to be, and does what he says he will do, carrying his responsibilities with quiet dignity.

“They say a city gets the mayor it needs. This year, Truro gets someone with a deep sense of civic heart.”

Cllr Wells responded by saying: “I hope I can fulfil the expectations of those who have put their trust in me. It’s a great honour and privilege to serve Truro.”

While Cllr Wells donned the traditional mayoral robes, the congregation was entertained by singer Richard Trethewey. Cllr Wells reappeared to a recording of organ music performed by his brother Andrew on the organ at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Mr Wells’ mayoress is Nicola Carveth, and his chaplain is Rev Andy Boorne, vicar of Kenwyn Church, who led prayers. The Mayor’s Cadet is Marcus Drysdale, 14, from Richard Lander school.

Cllr Carol Swain was thanked for her two-year tenure as mayor. Cllr Loic Rich paid tribute, saying: “I have no doubt at all that Truro had the right person for the job at a time of financial challenges and change in the organisation. Cllr Swain stepped up to it, and it’s thanks to her we have a much more productive and accessible council.”

Cllr Rich was named deputy mayor, choosing Cllr Sarah Douglas-Martin as his deputy mayoress. “I am really looking forward to this,” he said. “I have worked with Chris for some time and have the deepest respect for him.”