The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Lindsay Stirton, welcomed local dignitaries, community representatives, partners and residents to his Civic Reception on Wednesday 16 September at St Leonard’s Church.
The evening brought together representatives from across Seaford and the surrounding area to mark the Mayor’s term of office and celebrate the important contribution made by local organisations and community groups.
Left to right, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service - Station Manager, Tom Glandfield; The Mayor of Brighton’s Consort; The Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Margaret Bannister; The Mayor of Telscombe, Cllr Cathy Gallagher; The Mayor of Uckfield, Cllr Karen Bedwell; The Chair of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Martin Kenward; MP for Lewes James MacLeary; Vice-Chair of Rother District Council, Cllr Jimmy Stanger; The Leader of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Andy Woolley, The Deputy Mayor of Peacehaven, Cllr Wendy Veck; The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Lindsay Stirton; The Deputy Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Rod Buchanan; The Mayor of Brighton, Cllr Theresa Fowler; and Sussex Police – Chief Inspector, Kara Tombling.
The Civic Service began with a traditional ceremonial procession led by the Sarjeant at Mace, Peter White, setting the tone for an evening of civic reflection and community celebration. Music played an important part throughout the service, with the Seaford Silver Band, under the direction of Musical Director Hubert McCallum, providing a wonderful musical backdrop, while members of the Seaford Choral Society joined the congregation to help create an uplifting and memorable atmosphere.
The Civic Service was led by the Reverend James Hollingsworth, who welcomed guests and reflected on the important relationship between the church, the Town Council and the wider community, highlighting what can be achieved when organisations work together in support of the town.
As part of the service, the Mayor introduced his chosen charity, Aspens, which supports autistic people, people with learning disabilities and their families across Sussex. Guests also heard from a representative of Aspens about the charity's work and the opportunities it provides for children and young people to enjoy days out, activities and social experiences.
The Mayor said: “A civic service is a wonderful opportunity to bring together different parts of our community – the Church, Town Council, voluntary organisations, musicians, residents, friends and many others. It is a special occasion that allows us to come together, celebrate our town and recognise the important contribution made by so many people who help make Seaford such a vibrant and caring community.”
“My warmest thanks go to the Sarjeant at Mace, Peter White; the Reverend James Hollingsworth; Seaford Silver Band and its talented Musical Director, Hubert McCallum, for providing such wonderful music; and to the members of Seaford Choral Society for their contribution to the service. I would also like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success, particularly the Town Council officers and charity volunteers, whose hard work and support were very much appreciated.”
(left): The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Lindsay Stirton with a representative from Aspens.
(right): The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Lindsay Stirton and Deputy Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Rod Buchanan.
(left): Seaford Silver Band.
(right): The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Lindsay Stirton.
Thanks to the generosity of guests attending the Civic Service, £220 was raised towards the Mayor of Seaford's 2026-2027 Charity Fund.
Throughout his Mayoral year, Cllr Lindsay Stirton will be raising money for his chosen charity, Aspens, with the final total to be presented to the charity at the Town Forum in April 2027.
Donations can be made throughout the year at various Mayoral events or via the Mayor of Seaford’s fundraising page:
Donate to the Mayor of Seaford’s Aspens fundraising page https://aspens.enthuse.com/pf/the-mayor-of-seaford-cllr-lindsay-stirton
