The annual meeting of the Charter Trustees for the City of Durham was scheduled to focus on the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, alongside the appointment of various civic officers. The meeting also included a review of future meeting dates for the Charter Trustees.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The primary business of the meeting was the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming civic year. This process involved the newly elected Mayor receiving the Seal of office and making a Declaration of Acceptance. Following this, the Mayor was scheduled to deliver an acceptance speech, and the retiring Mayor and Mayoress would be presented with their jewels. The retiring Mayor was also expected to give an address, followed by a vote of thanks. The meeting agenda also included the swearing-in of new members of the Mayoral Bodyguard.

Appointment of Civic Officers

A significant portion of the scheduled discussions involved the appointment of several key civic officers. These included the Pant Master, Mr James Lee; the Billet Master, Superintendent Andrea Arthur of Durham Constabulary; the Macebearer, Mr David Baker; the Swordbearer, Mr Tom Dixon; the Recorder, Mr Mac Williams; and the Mayor's Chaplain, The Very Reverend Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham.

Future Meetings of the Charter Trustees

The report from the Clerk to the Charter Trustees, Jennifer Rogers, outlined the proposed dates for future meetings of the Charter Trustees for the City of Durham for the municipal year 2026/27. These meetings were scheduled to commence at 11:30 am, following County Council meetings. However, as there was no County Council meeting in June, a specific meeting was arranged for Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at 2:00 pm. Other proposed meeting dates included Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Wednesday, 9 December 2026, Wednesday, 27 January 2027, and Wednesday, 24 March 2027. The report recommended that the Charter Trustees agree to these proposed dates.

Previous Meeting Minutes and Announcements

The meeting was also scheduled to formally record the minutes from the previous meeting held on 28 January 2026. Additionally, there was an item for Mayor's Announcements, providing an opportunity for the Mayor to share any relevant information.

Presentation of Mayoral Service Medals

The agenda indicated that Mayoral Service Medals were scheduled to be presented during the meeting.

Declarations of Interest

As is standard practice, members were expected to declare any interests they might have in the matters to be discussed.

Other Formal Proceedings

The meeting was scheduled to begin with prayers and the recording of apologies for absence. The formal proceedings also included the recording of proceedings and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 28 January 2026.