Adam Tregoning, mayor’s officer and macebearer tells us what its like to be part of the team that delivers such a historic and ceremonial role within the council.
Hi, I’m Adam, I am the mayor's officer and macebearer and head up the mayoral support team. I lead the day to day running of the Mayor’s office from both an administrative and ceremonial aspect. I’m also responsible for looking after Porters Civic House and Mayor’s Parlour.
I first joined the council in 2012 as the mayors macebearer and chauffeur. In 2016 I took on the duties of the mayoral services officer and my role was renamed mayor’s officer and macebearer.
I’m often asked about the mace and what my role as macebearer is. The mace I carry is a symbol of the Monarch’s authority delegated to the Mayor of our City and I carry it in front of the Mayor at Civic events as a representation of that authority. Macebearers have been attending to Mayor’s for over 800 years, and although much has changed in that time, what has remained constant is the macebearer’s central role in attending the Mayor.
This ancient and honourable position is primarily concerned with upholding and maintaining the dignity, rights, privileges and traditions of the Mayor, of ensuring the continuity of established ceremonial and civic practice, and the provision of a dedicated service to the Mayor for their time in office. In 2020 I was honoured to be elected as the Prime Warden of the Guild of Macebearers of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and especially as it was the first time this post had been held in Southend.
Prior to joining the Council, I served in the British Army as a professional musician for 26 years. I was stationed for most of my military career in Germany and toured extensively across mainland Europe. I was also posted to Kuwait, during the first Gulf Conflict, as a Medic.
What are the biggest challenges in your field?
Juggling the many events that the Mayor is asked to attend each year is probably the biggest challenge. They are invited to attend between 400 to 500 events annually across the City, and the county. The Mayor is the first citizen of the City and therefore I need to ensure his attendance at these events is promoting Southend-on-Sea to the wider community, supporting local charities, businesses or the citizens of our City. The Mayor undertakes these duties separately to their work, councillor and personal commitments. That said, being Mayor is a unique and privileged opportunity to serve our City and I am extremely proud to support them in that role.
The Mayor’s Office are the custodians of the Civic and Ceremonial heritage of Southend-on-Sea, and we are responsible for ensuring these time-honoured traditions are maintained and delivered correctly. We ensure the council successfully delivers annual civic events such as Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day, the Mayor Making ceremony, the Civic Church Carol Services. Delivering these, year on year with ever decreasing resources is a challenge but we always find a way alongside colleagues from across council departments.
Last year we were proud to be involved in arrangements for the Royal visit where we were presented with City Status. We were also humbled to make the arrangements for ensuring Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s passing was communicated to residents in the correct manner, was marked appropriately and was aligned to national events.
What tools do you use to manage your time effectively?
Every day in the Mayor’s diary is unique and events can be scheduled at any time of the day. Therefore, a lot of my work is out of conventional “office hours”. Luckily, we now have some amazing IT tools that mean I can ensure I manage each day and the preparation time I need for every day's schedule. I think my military training has also helped me throughout my career and ensured that I focus on the job at hand whilst being able to deal with any unexpected issues that may arise in a timely, calm and efficient manner.
What traits do you believe have contributed most to your role?
Aside from my passion for all things ceremonial and the history of Southend-on-Sea I would say my attention to detail in ensuring that every event we do is run as smoothly and efficiently as possible is a trait I have brought to the role. Organising large groups of civic guests at civic events I am often described as “bossy and shouty”, but this is often required to ensure everyone is where they need to be on time, safely and in a dignified manner. I’d also say I was calm under pressure especially as things can change at the last minute and you need to adapt to the situation as it happens. I’m also polite and courteous when dealing with people and always conscious of upholding the dignity of the office of the mayor.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career so far?
Teamwork is everything and having the support of your colleagues is paramount. Supporting and respecting your colleagues and them in return supporting you ensures the success of everything you do.
Where do you most like to visit in Southend?
I’m really fortunate that during the course of the Mayoral year we get to visit so much of Southend, and I have seen aspects of it that I wouldn’t have known were there. From parks and gardens, to community and charity ventures, to cultural offerings and to businesses that I didn’t know existed - there really is so much to love in Southend.