On Thursday 21st May 2026 at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council (Mayor Making), the Town Crier Mark Hunter welcomed guests and introduced the outgoing Mayor Cllr Helen Westmancoat.
Helen gave a speech about her year as Mayor, sharing highlights from the past 12 months, and then awarded the Community Cup and Environment Cup, which recognise people, organisations and groups that have made significant contributions to the town over year.
The Community Cup - awarded to Knaresborough Connectors
The Environment Cup - awarded to Knaresborough Horticultural Society for the Open Garden’s
Margy also handed out cheques to her chosen charities for the year; Knaresborough Youth Council and 1st Scriven Scout Group. This money was raised through donations made to the Mayor of Knaresborough’s Town Walking Tours and the Mayor’s Civic Service.
The outgoing Mayor Helen Westmancoat then invested the new Mayor for 2026/2027 Cllr Shan Oakes and her Consort Mr. John Rigby.
Supporting the Mayor throughout the year will be our two Deputy Mayors, Councillor Kit Lacey and Councillor James Pickard.
We thank Helen for everything she’s done for our town over the last 12 months and welcome Shan as our new Mayor of Knaresborough and wish her a wonderful year ahead!