Vacancy: Honorary Macebearer

Honorary Macebearer Role Description and Person Specification

The traditional, honorary role of the Glastonbury Macebearer is a respected voluntary position, with a long history embedded in the civic life of our town.

Historically, the mace symbolised the power, authority, and dignity of the Mayor, with the Macebearer acting as ceremonial guardian and attendant to the town’s first citizen.

Job Overview:

The Macebearer carries the ceremonial mace before the Mayor at official functions and plays an important role in supporting the Mayor, Mayoress, and/or the Mayor’s Consort. In addition to upholding civic tradition and order at public ceremonies, the Macebearer also ensures that processions are properly organised, assists with formal preparations, and always represents the dignity of Glastonbury Town Council.

Glastonbury has two Macebearers, both of whom report directly to the Town Clerk.

Uniform:

A formal ceremonial robe, gloves, and other regalia appropriate to the role are provided by Glastonbury Town Council. The Council also covers cleaning costs and ensures the macebearers are appropriately attired for all civic occasions.

Professional Association:

Macebearers may, if they wish, become members of the Guild of Macebearers, with the membership fee covered by the Town Council upon request.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ceremonial Processions: Carry the ceremonial mace before the Mayor on civic occasions and lead or organise the civic procession in accordance with established protocol.
• Mayoral Support: Assist the Mayor and Deputy Mayor with preparation for events, including robing and organising accompanying parties.
• Council Meetings: One Macebearer is expected to attend all Full Council meetings to provide assistance (e.g., managing public attendance, receiving documents, liaising with caretaking staff).
• Protocol and Order: Ensure participants in civic events are arranged in correct order and that events proceed with proper decorum and respect.
for monitoring the condition of other civic regalia.
• Community Engagement: Attend occasional church services, public functions, and events where the Mayor is present, ensuring civic representation is dignified and orderly.
• Professional Conduct: While on duty, refrain from consuming alcohol or socialising with guests unless specifically stood down by the Mayor or Town Clerk.

Skills and Attributes:

• Professional Demeanour: Calm, courteous, punctual, and discreet at all times.
• Physical Fitness: Able to participate in processions, climb stairs, and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Smart Appearance: A tidy and well-groomed presence in uniform is essential.
• Familiarity with Civic Protocol: Willingness to learn, understand, and apply formal civic procedures and traditions.
• Reliable and Flexible: Able to commit to attending events including evenings, weekends, and short-notice appointments.
• Connection to Glastonbury: A local awareness and respect for the town’s community values and ceremonial heritage.

Terms of Appointment:

• Macebearers are appointed annually at the May meeting of the Full Town Council.
• An honorarium of £20 per event is paid for attendance.
• The Council provides public liability insurance for all duties performed on behalf of the Council.
• The civic calendar will be shared annually (subject to change), giving advance notice of expected duties.
• In March of each year, informal discussions will take place to determine whether the Macebearers wish to continue and whether the Mayor or Council wish to consider new candidates.
• Any serious breach of duty or conduct deemed to bring the role into disrepute may result in immediate removal from the post.

To Apply:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Cllr Michael White, Mayor
 [email protected]

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to: [email protected]
Or deliver by hand to:
Glastonbury Town Council Reception, Glastonbury Information Centre

Your covering letter should explain why you feel suited to the role and include details of your connection to Glastonbury.

Timeline:

Application Deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 16^th July 2025
Interviews (if necessary): Wednesday 23^rd July 2025