The word Mayor derives from the Latin 'major' meaning
'in chief'. In England, the Mayor is the modern descendant of the feudal lord's bailiff. The Municipal Corporations Act of 1882 regulated the election of a Mayor, who was to be a fit person elected annually by the council from among its members. In the nineteenth century there were mayors of Ross including Nathanial Morgan. Later, notable chairmen of Ross Urban Council have included John Hart and James Metcalfe.
The first Town Mayor of Ross elected following the reorganisation of Local Government as a result of the Local Government Act of 1972 when Ross Town Council was formed was elected in 1974. A list of past Mayors can be viewed here.
Today the Town Mayor is elected at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in May, and is expected to devote much of his time to civic, ceremonial, and representational functions, and to preside over meetings which have for their object the advancement of the public welfare. He or she also acts as chairman of the meetings of the council.
The Mayor chooses a Mayoress or Consort who accompanies him or her at functions and the Council also elects a Deputy Mayor to stand in for the Mayor in case of illness or unavailability.

Each Mayor chooses a charity to support during his or her term of office. The annual Mayor’s Ball, usually held in March, is always in aid of the Mayor’s Charity.

Mayor 2011/12

Councillor David Ravenscroft was elected Mayor by his fellow councillors for this year. He first became a councillor in 1990 but has lived in the town all his life. This is David's second term as Mayor having served in 1994. His Mayoress is his wife Doreen. David is pictured at his installation with Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs Caroline Utting (left) and the Town Clerk, Mrs Denise Mason (right).

Councillor Ravenscroft's chosen charity is the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA).

The Mayor attends meetings and events both in the town and as a representative of the town elsewhere. A current list of events can be viewed.
If you or your organisation would like to invite the Mayor to a function or meeting you can complete and submit the online form or download a pdf form and return it to the Town Clerk.