The Mayor of Seaford welcomed members of the community to a special civic service on Wednesday, September 16, to mark the start of his term.

The Civic Reception for councillor Lindsay Stirton was held at St Leonard’s Church and introduced his chosen charity Aspens.

Seaford Town Council said the Mayor welcomed local dignitaries, community representatives and partners to the occasion.

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.”

From left: ESFRS station manager Tom Glandfield; The Mayor of Brighton’s Consort; The Mayor of Eastbourne, councillor Margaret Bannister; The Mayor of Telscombe, councillor Cathy Gallagher; The Mayor of Uckfield, councillor Karen Bedwell; The Chair of East Sussex County Council, councillor Martin Kenward; Lewes MP James MacCleary; Vice-Chair of Rother District Council, councillor Jimmy Stanger; The Deputy Mayor of Peacehaven, councillor Wendy Veck; The Mayor of Seaford; The Deputy Mayor of Seaford, councillor Rod Buchanan; The Mayor of Brighton, councillor Theresa Fowler; and Sussex Police, chief inspector, Kara Tombling. All photos by Seaford Town Council

placeholder image — From left: ESFRS station manager Tom Glandfield; The Mayor of Brighton’s Consort; The Mayor of Eastbourne, councillor Margaret Bannister; The Mayor of Telscombe, councillor Cathy Gallagher; The Mayor of Uckfield, councillor Karen Bedwell; The Chair of East Sussex County Council, councillor Martin Kenward; Lewes MP James MacCleary; Vice-Chair of Rother District Council, councillor Jimmy Stanger; The Deputy Mayor of Peacehaven, councillor Wendy Veck; The Mayor of Seaford; The Deputy Mayor of Seaford, councillor Rod Buchanan; The Mayor of Brighton, councillor Theresa Fowler; and Sussex Police, chief inspector, Kara Tombling. All photos by Seaford Town Council

The town council said the service began with a traditional ceremonial procession, which was led by the Sarjeant at Mace Peter White. The Seaford Silver Band performed at the event under musical director Hubert McCallum, while members of the Seaford Choral Society joined the congregation.

The council said the civic service was led by the Reverend James Hollingsworth, who welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of the relationship between the church, the town council and the wider community.

The Mayor also introduced Aspens, which supports autistic people, people with learning disabilities and their families across Sussex. An Aspens representative spoke about the charity’s work and about providing opportunities for children and young people to enjoy days out, activities and other social events.

The Mayor said: “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.”

Guests at the civic service raised £220 towards the Mayor of Seaford’s 2026-2027 Charity Fund. The council said Lindsay Stirton will raise money for his chosen charity throughout his Mayoral year, and said the final total will be presented to the charity at the Town Forum in April 2027. Donations can be made at various Mayoral events or via the Mayor of Seaford’s fundraising page at aspens.enthuse.com/pf/the-mayor-of-seaford-cllr-lindsay-stirton.