Mayors of the Borough of Reigate

Mayors of the Borough of Reigate
(1863-1974)
and its successor,
the Borough of Reigate and Banstead
(1974 to 2013)

This web page lists all the Mayors there have been and gives as much information as is known about them.

Redhill is a part of the Borough and therefore its Mayors have always been Mayors of Redhill too, even though the town's name has never featured in the Borough's title. The Borough of Reigate was reformed from the old Manor of Reigate in 1863 and there have been 80 Mayors since then. Although Mayors now serve only one year at a time many of those of the past served terms of varying length. A number of Mayors served for three separate 2-year terms and some served for 4 consecutive years. Alderman Barnes served 5 consecutive years 1897-1902 and returned for another year later. From time to time there were those who disagreed with the multiple-year terms. A councillor said, when opposing the first of Alderman Barnes four re-elections, "If it were the absolute rule for a member of the corporation to be Mayor for two years, and the office went round, any gentleman who might be elected to the council at the present time would be a very old man before he became Mayor of the Borough." The last person to hold office for than a single consecutive term left office in 1970, since when a Mayor has held office for one year at a time, although it is still possible to hold office more than once. For many years the Mayoralty was male dominated and it was not until 1949 when a lady became Mayor for the first time.

Although the list below is complete as far as names are concerned much biographical and pictorial information is still to be added, and some of the information included is scant and some of the pictures low quality. The list of Mayors follows. - AJM

Photographs come by courtesy of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Surrey History Centre, the Surrey Mirror. and from my own collection.

Comprehensive cover of Dann's four-year fight for incorporation, plus his term in office, is dealt with in 'A History of Redhill' vol. 1.

Mayor Searle in 1887

James Searle lived at 'Eastnor', Ringley, Reigate and then at 'Eversfield' , Ringley Oak, Reigate.

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - He was the Returning Officer at the 1865 election of MP for the Borough of Reigate (in the days when Reigate had its own MP) when three candidates, all Liberals, Mr Leveson Gower, the Hon. Edmund Monson and Mr George Richardson contested the seat on 12th July that year. He was the first witness called at the subsequent enquiry held by the Bribery Commission at the Old Town Hall, Reigate, which commenced on 22nd August, 1866 to enquire into malpractices immediately preceeding the election and which were to eventually lead to the withdrawal of Reigate's right to elect its own MP. James Searle died on 1st December 1874, aged 59, closely followed by his wife, Jesse Searle, on 28th September, 1875. (A picture of their son, also James Searle, appears in 'People of 1887' on this website).

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - A solicitor with offices in Reigate High Street, Mr Smith acted as agent for various candidates in parliamentary elections of 1857, 1858, 1863 and 1865. Following the last election he and his fellow agents, and others acting for candidates in the elections, were found guilty, after lengthy enquiry by a Parliamentary Commission, of wide-scale bribery. Over 500 voters were found to have received bribes. Reigate was disenfranchised as a result, losing its right to elect a Member of Parliament, the seat being absorbed into one representing a larger area of Surrey.
Charles Joseph Smith died on 20th August 1885, aged 61. His wife, Frances Caroline, who died in October 1888, is buried in the same plot in Reigate Cemetery, beside his father, the Rev. Charles Thomas Smith, who died 10th March 1869, aged 85, and his mother, Sarah, who died in 1857 aged 73.

Additional information supplied by Mr Arthur Hawkes - Arthur was contacted from the USA by a Professor Clive Gay of Washington State University who was in possession of a silver jug that was presented to Mr C.J.Smith by a grateful candidate in 1863. It stands 12" tall and weighs about 24ozs. He acquired it from his mother who possibly got it at an auction when living at Merstham and Coulsdon between 1949 and 1952. He supplied a picture of the jug, reproduced here, and later sent the jug itself. It is now kept at the Town Hall, Reigate.

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - He was also questioned at the Bribery Commission of 1866 (see information on Mayor James Searle) and informed it that he employed 100-200 men, was currently building a church at Hackney and working on other buildings in various parts of the country. The minutes of the Commission give the impression that he was deeply implicated in the corrupt practices of the Monson cause in three elections held in 1859, 1861 and 1865. After the 1865 election he sacked several workmen for voting for Gower, the candidate in opposition to Monson. He died 18th April 1893, aged 82. His wife was Anne Elizabeth and she died 5th August 1892. Carruthers, amongst other things, operated the Colley Hill complex of heartstone mines, which fits in with his being a building stone contractor. His name is on the foundation stone of St Mark's Church, Reigate.

The son of a miller who managed the Blackborough Mill, his social standing was not good enough for those

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - He became the owner of Blackborough Mill, operated as a corn dealer and baker, and in 1888 his baker's shop was at 37 Hight Street, Redhill. He was also sworn and examined as a witness by the Bribery Commission in 1866; he canvassed on behalf of leveson Gower and was subject to questioning by the commission on the grounds that he had put pressure on a man named Stevens, who owed him £6 or £7, to vote for Gower - which he denied. He lived at Buckland House, Station Road, Redhill, and died 7th January 1891. His wife predeceased him on 9th September 1883 aged 54.

George Edwin's son, David, was a tea broker and was well known in Calcutta from 1891-1912. David returned to Reigate and took up residence in Doods in 1915, married Victoria Benton in 1930 and died in 1949 aged 85.

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - George Edwin Pym was born 12th April 1829. At one time he lived at Little Doods Farm, Doods Road, Reigate. He died 23rd December 190%. In 1910 his widow, Elizabeth, whose maiden name was Moore, was living at 'The Firle' The Way, Reigate. She died 21st December 1911, aged 80.

A brother of John Budgen who set up the well-known chain of shops iin southern England, including one on the corner of Church St. and Tunnel Rd., Reigate (see also note below).He became a councillor in 1876 and an Alderman in 1885. He held many local posts and was the last Mayor to have the honour of receiving at a Mayoral dinner the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London. He became Mayor for a second time in 1892. At the end of January, 1914, Mr F.Budgen was made a Freeman of the Borough upon his retirement from the Council. This was something made possible by the Freedom of the Borough Act of 1885 and was the first time anyone in Reigate Borough had been so honoured. In spite of his long service of thirty-seven years in all there were two other men who were still council members who had been so when Mr Budgen first took his seat in the council chambers. These were Dr Walters and Samuel Barrow. He died at his Reigate home 2nd April 1917 aged 82.He lived at 'Highfield', Gatton Road, Reigate. His wife, Mary Louisa, died 23th July 1895 aged 54. Both are buried in Reigate churchyard. (Includes information kindly supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins)

Photo shows Mayor Budgen while in office wearing the mayoral chains during his first term of office 1884-86 (photo courtesy Sean Hawkins)

Photo shows Mr F.Budgen in 1913. Frederick Budgen was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 26th January 1914

A Draper of Station Road, Redhill.

..... John Seex married Maria Bertha Anna in 1869c.  She was born in Stettin, 3^rd December 1844, and died at Ventnor, Isle of Wight, 6^th July, 1891, and bore him four boys.  He married again in 1893, Emma Jane Claridge, but this marriage was without issue.
..... Until at least the census of 1881 John Seex was running a business as a “master upholsterer” and living at 132 Grange Road, Bermondsey.  In 1871 he employed 5 men and 1 boy, and in 1881 8 men and I boy.  His father, John Gates Seex, was living in London Road, Reigate, at the time of the 1881 census, and he describes himself as “cabinet maker and upholsterer”, also employing, 8 men and 1 boy.  It seems certain that these are details of the same business, for after John Gates Seex died at Reigate a year later, on 26^th September, his will refers to him as being of 132 Grange Road, Bermondsey, and London Road, Reigate.  The 1882 edition of Kelly’s Directory of Surrey contains this entry: “John G. Seex & Son, London Road, Reigate, and at Grange Road. London SE – undertaker, cabinet maker, upholsterer and estate agent”. By the 1891 census John Seex and his wife Maria were living in Reigate, at the London Road address, along with children: John Gustav, 20, a bank clerk; Albert J., 18, “Bank”; Henry M., 17, auctioneer’s clerk; Ernest F., 15, scholar.  The Allingham’s Reigate & Redhill Directory of 1886 indicates that the Seex’s Reigate business stood at the southern corner of the junction of Somers Road and London Road, part of a row of shops demolished in the late 1970’s, or early 1980’s, the new building was then occupied by the Surrey Mirror.  In the early years of the twentieth century these premises were occupied by The Reigate Garage, before they moved to Bell Street in about 1910.
..... John Seex was a member of the Town Council, the County Council, was a Borough Magistrate and also Mayor of Reigate from 1888-1890.  In 1902 he attempted to sue the Town Clerk, Clair Grece, for libel.  The case was heard at Redhill County Court, where Seex told the court that in 1901 “he became aware that owing to his giving too much attention to town and county business, his own business upon which he relied for his name, was sliding”.  He filed his own petition for bankruptcy in June 1901, but at a meeting of creditors his offer to settle was accepted and so consequently was not declared bankrupt.  On July 19^th the plaintiff received, as a member of the council, an agenda with the intimation of a resolution to be brought forward by the Mayor, “that the office of councilor lately holden by John Seex, Esq., J.P., who has become disqualified and has ceased to hold the said office through his having been declared bankrupt, be declared vacant”.  Seex claimed that Grece, who had prepared the agenda, had acted out of malice.  Judgement, however, was found for the defendant with costs.
..... Seex also sued Henry Libby, the publisher of the “Surrey Leader”, for libel.  Although successful in this instance he received just one farthing in damages but not costs.
..... The 1911 census reveals him living at “Rustica”, Northern Woods, High Wycombe, in just three rooms.  Neither he or his second wife, who died in 1943, left a will.  John Seex died in 1913 and was buried with his first wife in Reigate Cemetery.
(Profile of John Seex kindly supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins)

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - Samuel Brooks died 12th October 1915 aged 77. His second wife, Eliza Jane, died 26th October 1927, aged 78.

The picture far right was the only one on this site before Mr Tony Abrahams sent me this additional marvellous picture of Mayor Ongley from a family album belonging to his mother, whose maiden name was Brenda Peat. Her grandfather was James Peat, a Reigate business man, resident of Bell Street and a neighbour of Mr Ongley's premises there, so he would have known him well.

My thanks to Mr Abrahams and his mother. AJM 13.12.01

Henry Ongley was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 29th May 1922

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - Francis Edward Barnes lived at Normanton, Reigate Heath. He died 29th February 1920. His wife, Elizabeth Ellen, died 29th July 1905. On their tombstone in Reigate Cemetery she is described as a former Mayoress of Reigate, which surely repflects her husband's pride in having received such a high public distinction that it should be reflected in the inscription on her memorial.

Additional information supplied by Mr Sean Hawkins - Mayor Conolly lived at 'Buckhurst', Linkfield Lane, Redhill. He was born 27th May 1839 and died 6th September 1914.

Email from Kathy Lowe, June 2013: In looking at the 1891, 1901 and 1911 English censuses, it would appear that Thomas Malcomson, the printer and publisher who became mayor of Reigate, identified himself as being Irish on those three censuses.  On the 1911 census, he reported his place of birth as Belfast.  His mother was still alive at age 92 and living with his family on the 1911 census and her place of birth was identified as County Down in Ireland. These censuses do indicate that Thomas and his family had lived in Scotland for a time before they moved to Reigate, as Thomas’s two oldest sons were recorded as having been born in Scotland around 1888-1890.  The family was living at 38 Avondale Square in Camberwell by the 1891 census.  

In the picture on the right Mayor Gregory, wearing his chains of office, walks behind the mace bearer in a procession to St Mary's Church, Reigate, in 1909

.In the picture below, taken on the steps of the Municipal Buildings in February, 1910, one serving and three ex-Mayors can be seen. Far left is Alderman Malcomson. Next to him are the serving Mayoress and Mayor, Mrs and Alderman Gregory, with Alderman Budgen standing behind them. Between the lady and gentleman on the front right can be seen Alderman Ongley. The picture was taken on the occasion of the donation of a large part of Colley Hill to the Council by Mrs Emma Simpson, 2nd from right front row.

Mayor Lemon and members
of the Council on the steps of
the Municipal Buildings in 1913

Tim Lemon of Osaka, Japan, kindly supplied the following information:
Lemon Frank Edward, LL.B., Trin.Coll Camb., 1884; BA, 1883; matric.London Univ. 1879; was born in 1859, the second son of William George Lemon of Blackheath, Kent and Lincoln's Inn, Bar-at-Law. He was a student of Lincoln's Inn as from 11th November, 1881 (then aged 22) and was called to the Bar on 25th June 1884. An undated news paper cutting with photo reveals that, 'The pageant [maybe Reigate Pilgrim's Pageant 1913] had at least one distinguished visitor in Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who handed the deed of management to the Mayor of Reigate Mr.Frank Lemon.' He lived at 27 Whitepost Hill in Redhill, adjacent to the Common, with his wife (Margar)Etta and his sisters Annie and Esther. His brother, Arthur Lemon, lived in a house called Hillbrow in Reigate after he returned to the UK from Malaya. Presumably he went to live there as his brother Frank and sisters lived locally. (References: - p.275, Fosters. Men-at the Bar - p.401 Vol II Lincoln's Inn Admission Register 1420-1893 - p.421 The Black Books of Lincoln's Inn - interview with M.H.Lemon July 1997)

About Mrs Lemon:
Margaretta Louisa Smith, MBE (1920), MBOU, F.Z.S, F.R.G.S, F.R.S.A, JP (1921), was born 22 Nov 1860, daughter of Capt. Elisha William (or William Elisha) Smith, Royal Sherwood Foresters of Moolpa, Australia and Blackheath, Kent, and was educated at Belstead near Ipswich. She was Hon. Sec. Watcher's Committee, Royal Society of the Protection of Birds; 1892~1939; Hon. Sec. East Surrey Branch RSPCA, Member of Reigate Board of Guardians; School Manager...1917~1919 officer in charge of Redhill War Hospital. Constitution of Society of Protection of Birds adopted1892. Mrs. Frank E. Lemon appointed Hon. Secretary. Though replaced by her husband in 1904 effectively continued to help him in that capacity until his death in 1935. Subsequently remained Hon. Sec of the Watcher s Committee. She died on 8th July 1953, aged 92. (References: - Handbook to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 1921 - undated and unreferenced notes made by G.R.Lemon - History of the RSPB on webpage Jan 1999}

The jubilee of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ocurred in 1939. One of its founders and most enthusiastic workers was Mrs Lemon, then known as 'The Mother of Birds', who initiated the idea from which small beginnings a great organisation was to grow. She was a well known public figute in 1939. During WW1 she was Commondant of the local Red Cross department, officer in charge of a war hospital, a foot clinic and a field hospital. She was also a manager of four local schools which had been started during her husband's chairmanship of the borough education committee. She was also one of the first women justices in the borough, sitting on the bench of which her husband was a member.

It had been at the age of 18 when she was inspired to devote thought and energy to the better treatment of birds. With others she discussed the slaughter of birds for their decorative plumage. Birds with such ornamental feathers were often killed when they had young, so their yound starved to death. Mrs Lemon would go to church and take note of all those women wearing plumed hats and after write tio them explaining the cruel methods by which their plumes were obtained.

So began a life's work and the creation of the RSPB of which she was elected Hon. Sec. in 1892, a post she held until her husband was elected to it in 1904 when she continued to help him in the role. In 1938 she visited all the bird watching stations north of the Tweed, getting to klnow the people there in the process.

Another project Mrs Lemon was closely connected with - one of many - was in December 1939 the making of wollen items of clothing for the men of HMS Caledonian. On the anniversary in 1916 when the ship was put into commission there was an oppportunity at Jones and Sons shop in Redhill High Street to view such items as balaclava helmets, nuniers, mittens and wrislets. The was a demand for such items as wel as sea boot stockings and Mrs Lemon made it known that she was willing to receive donations towards the knitting of these things for the men who so bravely went to sea with such dauntless courage.

The picture shows the Mayor with the Borough's special police in 1918

Herbert Crosfield was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 26th February 1937

William was the eldest of ten children, 5 boys and 5 girls, his father was a local brick layer, and several of his male siblings emigrated to Canada.He married Ada Coomber on the 25^th of February 1897; she died in 1946 in Croydon near her daughter’s family. William and Ada had two children; Ada and Arthur William.

'Photo and additional information (in blue above) courtesy Janet Legg, William's great grand-daughter, who is descended from William's son Arthur.]

This picture was taken outside the Market Hall on the occassion of the visit of Princess Helena Victoria, President of the YMCA, to Redhill in November, 1926. The Mayor is on the right; the Princess on the left.

Sir Jeremiah and Lady Colman with Mayor Malcomson during his 3rd term. The ceremony in progress may well have been the making of Sir Jeremiah Colman an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 29th October 1928.

Thomas Malcomson was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 1st July 1929

Additional information from Sean Hawkins - Temple Newell died 26th February 1945; his wife, Hilda, died 30th January 1949.

In the bottom right picture Mayor Temple Newell prepares to send down the first ball on the opening of Redhill Bowling Club's new Green in 1931

A Barrister-at-law, Mr F.J.Spranger stood as a Liberal candidate in the Southampton election of 1922 and was subsequently invited to stand as the Conservative candidate for the same constituency. Served in the Great War and rose to Lt-Col. Had the military and the civil OBE conferred upon him in recognition of services to his country. Presented a Mayoral robe to the Corporation in 1935.

Francis Jefferies Spranger was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 25th February 1936

Right - Mr Hamblen stands at the centre of the staff line at the opening of the British Restaurant in the old Co-op premises in Cromwell Road in 1941

The Mayor's term during the years of WW2 put in his mind the idea for a permanent memorial to those fallen of the Borough. His idea was for a Victory or Memorial Hall or an Assembly Rooms to be built on the site of Caberfeigh, a property the council owned in Hatchlands Road close to Shaws Corner. This was at a time when the Abercrombie report had been published outlining the development of satellite towns in the area. Reigate and Redhill had been marked as an area which would not be allowed to grow under the scheme and the Mayor envisaged these new towns having good community facilities that Redhill and Reigate lacked, so his idea would fulfil this purpose as well as that of a permanent memorial. In the sketch of the proposed layout the existing memorial then still standing at Shaws Corner is shown at its centre, but it was stressed that its removal to the new site was simply a suggestion. As we now know the no aspect of idea ever came to fruition. Caberfeigh continued to be used as council offices and the site was gradually redeveloped with housing.

Right - The house 'Caberfeigh' before it was demolished

Alderman Lorkin's time on the Council included not only his Mayoralty but also sixteen years as Chairman of the Electricity Committee. First elected to the Council in 1930 he was elevated to the Aldermanic bench in 1940.

   She was raised to the Aldermanic bench in February 1940, becoming only the second woman Alderman, Mrs Powell having been the first in 1935. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Reigate was conferred upon Miss Donkin at a ceremony at the Town Hall on Saturday 11th July 1964

Mayor Donkin pictured during a road race for the National Playing Fields Appeal in April 1950.
From l-r are: Mrs Lillian Pile, Hon. Sec. of the Redhill and Reigate Athletic Club, Alderman Mrs Marjorie C. Donkin JP., Cllr E.A.C.Pearce, Chairman RRAC and Ernest H. Warren, captain RRAC.

A native of Somerset, Arthur Salisbury moved to London and then, in 1912, to Redhill . A one time Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce he later became a founder member, President and Secretary of the Rotary Club. He became a councillor through being a wartime co-opted member and at the time of his mayoralty was the sole remaining wartime co-optee. In his acceptance speech he referred with regret to the fact that past councillors had been unable to site the municipal buildings in a central position. He also mentioned the Festival of Britain and told councillors that the programme the Borough had arranged would ensure that it would put Reigate on the map. The Merstham LCC estate was another programme the Borough was involved in at the time although Reigate Council had originally objected to the scheme. Cost to the LCC was £2.5m and the cost of sewerage to the Borough was £78,000. Another project in hand was the provision of car parks at Marketfield and Gloucester Road, Redhill. King George VI was to die on 6th

In the photo on the right Mayor Salisbury and others from Reigate Council are on a fire boat in the Thames. The occasion is not known. The only other person identified is Cllr Willingdon who, with hat, is standing two behind the fire officer on the far right. (photo courtesy Mr G. Aldrich)

see 1963 for 2nd term and information

In the picture on the left Mr Goodman is crowning the 1956 Queen of the Merstham Carnival in his capacity as Deputy Mayor.

In the top right picture Mayor Goodman is seated far left at the official opening of the Fire Brigade HQ at St David's, Croydon Road, Reigate. Next to him is the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, General Sir Robert Haining. The speaker is the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon. Gwilym Lloyd-George. Seated next to him is Mr AHC Salisbury, Chairman of the Surrey Fire Brigade Committee (Mayor 1951-52) and the Rev. Howard Sheldon, Vicar and Rural Dean of Reigate.

The bottom right picture shows the November 1956 ceremony of the conferring of the honorary freedom of the borough upon Mr G.J.Searle and Mr W.Lees Stenning. From l-r are: - The Mayor's Chaplain, the Rev B.M.Pratt: The Mayoress, Mrs Goodman: Mr Searle; Mr Lees Stenning: Mayor Goodman: Town Clerk Mr Heber Davies: the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Alderman and Mrs Daniels: Deputy Town Clerk Mr C.W.Brightwell: and Sir Gordon Touche, MP (an honorary freeman since 1942).

Second Lady Mayor

Margaret Hicks was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 11th July 1961

Right - The brochure for the freedom ceremony

The Mayor of Reigate, Aldernan George Searle,
presenting prizes at the carnival of 1957 in
Redhill Memorial Sports Ground.
(Picture courtesy Surrey Mirror)

Mr Best set up Sunnyside Nurseries after serving in the first World War, before this he had worked on Sir Jeremiah Coleman's estate at Gatton.

Additional Pictures and information kindly supplied by
Margaret Whaley

The picture above was taken when the Queen Mother paid a visit to Fonthill on Reigate Road in the 1960s. Mr Best was a founding member of Eversfield Residential Home on Reigate Road.  His funeral was at St Mary's church in Reigate, and on the way to the crematorium a very moving moment was going past Eversfield with many of the residents standing in the garden to watch the funeral procession.

Lt. Col. Alleyn, as he then was when he moved to the Old Saddlery in Merstham during WW2, became a Borough Councillor in 1951. He was an Alderman for two years before becoming Mayor. He had interests in sailing and amateur dramatics and was an ex-officio magistrate and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre (a senior echelon of the Catholic laity). At one time he was going to become a monk but after six months as a novice realised that he had no vocation for the monastic life. He went to Liverpool University instead. He went into business before WW2 but when that conflict came he becams a staff captain on the Adjutant General's staff at the War Office. He finished the war as a Lieut. Colonel and resumed as head of the architect's firm of Alleyn and Mansell of London. St Teresa's and The Epiphany churches on the Merstham estate were built to his company's plans as was the Catholic primary school in Linkfield Lane. He was involved in establishing Centenary House, the Redhill day centre for the elderly, in 1965/66. He married Miss Margaret Sara Durling, daughter of the Prebendary J.A.Durling, Rector of Bideford, Devon, at St Joseph's Church Redhill in 1956. Mr Alleyn died in 1983 aged 75.
(Information taken from the book 'Twentieth Century Merstham' by kind permission of its author, A.B. de M.Hunter, and additional information subsequently added from other sources)

Peter Phillips was the last Mayor to serve consecutive terms. After 1970 it was no longer possible to serve more than one consecutive year

Alderman Pearce is pictured left cutting the first turf to launch a two-year project of the council's £700,000 waste incinerator. The plant combined sludge disposal with refuse incineration and was the first of its kind in the country. I his speech Ald. Pearce said, 'The present waste disposal facilities are being stretched to the limit. We shall be in urgent need of the new plant when it is finished. It will be costly but if it gives the high performance expected of it I am sure it will be worth it'. Unfortunately the incinerator did not perform to its costed expectations and was shut down after being in use for a few
years.

Mayor Curtis at an event with local cub scouts

Photo left - Mayor Searle sits at the keyboard of letter sorting equipment during a visit to the Redhill Sorting Office in December 1976

George Searle left school at 14 to work at Bryant and May Ltd., the match makers, just after WW1. He moved on to eventually become director of food transport for the Ministry of Food. Having experienced the 1930s depression at first hand he had a concern for all sections of the community and was just over 40 when he became a local Councillor. He was well past retirement when he retired in 1979, at which time he was appointed an honorary alderman of the Borough. Like Mayor Alleyn before him, he was also a Merstham resident with an interest in amateur dramatics, and an ex-officio magistrate.
(Information taken from the book 'Twentieth Century Merstham' by kind permission of its author, A.B. de M.Hunter)

Mayor and Mrs Searle on a visit to Borough almshouses.

Photo above - Mayor Lynch showing children the ceremonial mace

Mr Macalman met his wife, Peggy, in 1941 when he was stationed at Reigate with the Royal Corps of Signals. She was a local girl who had attended the County School for Girls. The couple were married at St Mary's Church in Reigate. After many years on the council they were elected Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate and Banstead for 1979-80. In 1988 Mr Macalman was conferred as Honarary Alderman.

Pictures: -
Mayor Macalman tree planting in Reigate Priory
Mr and Mrs Macalman on their 50th wedding anniversary in November 1993

Mr Jupp served on the borough council for 16 years. He was chairman of both its planning and housing committees and became mayor of the borough in 1982. The Borough Council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on 13th December 2001 in appreciation and acknowledgement of his eminent services to the Borough and its predecessor, and as an expression of the high esteem in which he was held.

Horley's first mayor dies
From the Reigate Redhill Horley LIFE 5:30pm Monday 29th March 2010

Horley's first mayor, Wally Jupp, has died at the age of 80. Walter, or Wally, was the town's first mayor in 1974, and served as mayor of Reigate and Banstead six years later. He died in East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, on March 20. The husband of former town and Reigate and Banstead Borough Councillor Doreen Jupp, who died in 2008, Mr Jupp was very active with his wife in town life. In 2002, the couple received the Horley Town Award. The award, Horley Town Council's highest honour, was made in recognition of their joint “immense” contribution to the life of the town. The ceremony's citation called them a “remarkable couple” and stated the award was for their joint contribution to the people of Horley by continuous and consistent support of the local community, for involvement in Horley Citizens Advice Bureau and Regent Hall Day Centre, and other initiatives over the preceding 30 years. In 2001, the borough council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Jupp in appreciation and acknowledgement of his eminent services to the borough and its predecessor, and as an expression of the high esteem in which he was held. Mr Jupp was a member of Horley Parish Council and its chairman in 1973. When the parish council's title changed to town council in 1974, he continued in office as Horley’s first mayor until 1976. He represented the council on many outside bodies and served on the Board of Governors of Meath Green Junior School and the former Court Lodge School.
Mr Jupp, who worked in the printing industry and who commuted to London with his wife, was also an enthusiastic member of Horley Lions for many years, and served as its President until 2001. He and Doreen were instrumental in arranging the town council's purchase of the Albert Rooms and were involved in the Regent Hall Day Centre building project.
Current mayor of Horley and chairman of Horley Town Council Simon Marshall, who first met the Jupps in 1973, said they had made a lasting contribution to the town. He said: “He and Doreen were both very much involved in the community – well-known for their support of the Royal British Legion. “Doreen was town mayor as well. They were very much part of the community.” Doreen had a distinguished career in local politics too, including as a member of Horley Parish Council and Horley Town Council, two terms as town mayor in 1978 and 1985, as chairman of the town's Silver Jubilee Committee in 1977, and 16 years as a borough councillor. Councillor Marshall said he expected to see lots of civic dignitaries at Mr Jupp's funeral at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium on Friday, April 9, at 12.45pm.
Horley town clerk Alan Jones said the council was “extremely saddened” to learn of Mr Jupp's death. He called him “a perfect gentleman” and said although retired from the council, he liked to keep up with its affairs. “He was always very interested, lovely to chat to and a great supporter of the town council,” he said.
A borough council spokesman said they were saddened at Mr Jupp's death and he was held in high esteem by them.

Mayor Anand Gulati was known as Ken

Norman Smith, Reigate Council's first Labour Mayor, taking the oath of office in May 1990

Picture copyright Iain Howell LMPA, LSWP

A Liberal Democrat, Penelope Horsfall was first elected to the Borough of Reigate and Banstead Council in 1973. Her total years of service were 18 representing both Reigate Central and Reigate South Central wards. She was appointed a magistrate in 1975, a position she still holds in 2004. She was chairman the Planning and Development Committee 1991-94 and Chairman of Contract Services Board 1997-98. Had been a Councillor for 13 years when elected as the Council's first Liberal Democrat Mayor 1995-96. She was proposed by Councillor Graham Norman and seconded by Councillor Muriel Moore. She was a Surrey County Councillor for Reigate Central from 1997-2001. She was conferred as an Honorary Alderman in 2002.

In the photo Mayor Horsfall is shown with children of Furzefield School, Merstham.

Councillor Chiles, who was aged 73
when elected, was the Conservative member for Tadworth and Walton and was first elected to the Council in 1988. He served as vice-chairman of the Recreation Committee and Chairman of Contract Services.

Mary and Edgar Waller are the only husband and wife to each serve as Mayor. Here they are pictured together in October 1997 at the launch of a new Council funded mediation service for squabbling neighbours. They were both made Honorary Aldermen in 2001 (Picture courtesy Surrey Mirror)

From the Surrey Mirror newspaper 2009

Tributes are continuing to pour in following the death last week of former Mayor, Alderman Mary Waller. Mrs Waller, 88, passed away at her home in Redhill.
Jayne Stanton, manager of Relates' Mid Surrey branch said this week: 'Her commitment to Relate spanned many years from her early days as a borough councillor, actively supporting our grant applications, to more recent times as our President. Her passing after a very active life is a great loss. Our thoughts at this time go to her husband Eddie and her family.'
Muriel Moore, ex-Liberal Democrat borough councillor from 1989-1999 said: 'It saddened my husband and I greatly when, on returning from holiday, we bought the Surrey Mirror and read of the passing of that wonderful lady, Mary Waller, one of the borough's most respected and liked characters. When I was a new Reigate and Banstead councillor she was already a well seasoned member of the council. To observe her in action in the council chamber inspired confidence and I found her a font on knowledge and always willing to help new councillors such as myself with sound advice and good guidance.. This help was given freely regardless of the fact that I was a representative of a different political party. It gave me great pleasure when, during my time as a councillor she became mayor in 1997. She will be greatly missed in many walks of life.'

From 'This is Surrey Today - Horley' 2009

Tributes have been pouring in after one of Redhill's best-known residents, Alderman Mary Waller, died at home on Monday at the age of 88. She had been bravely battling pancreatic cancer since Christmas, but told few people and carried on with her many appointments. Mrs Waller, of Eastcote, The Cutting, Redhill, was born on April 18, 1921. She was the daughter of a schoolmaster in Stallingborough, Lincolnshire. Both Mary and her husband, Eddie, 95, passionately served the borough of Reigate, then Reigate and Banstead, for a total of more than 50 years as Labour councillors. They both served terms as mayor in the 1990s and are the best-known civic pair in the history of the council. Her love of drama and arts – shared by Eddie – ensured she was the spearhead of a campaign to get the Harlequin Theatre built in Redhill in 1983. The couple battled to improve community facilities in Whitebushes and have the Reigate Priory building lovingly restored to its former glory. They have been involved in nearly all decisions affecting Reigate and Redhill. On the occasion of their diamond wedding in May 2007, Mr Waller revealed it really was love at first sight when they first met back in 1946. The retired schoolmaster, recalled at the time: "She was giving a recital of George Bernard Shaw's St Joan at our emergency teacher-training college in Leavesden, near Watford, and I was greatly struck by her. "I went up to her afterwards and said how well she'd done and asked if she'd like to go for a walk with me. She agreed but then she told me she already had a boyfriend. "We then went on another walk over the fields to St Albans and by the time we got there I was holding her hand. We were engaged three weeks later." Mr Waller was born in Camberwell on August 29, 1914 — the day the First World War broke out. He was one of five children. His father went off to the battlefields in 1917 and when he returned the family relocated to Redhill, living at 23 Shrewsbury Road. Young Eddie attended St Joseph's Catholic School, in Chapel Road, Redhill, and on to Reigate Grammar School. He left school in 1931 during the general depression and was unable to get a job for seven months. After a brief period as a student teacher at Frenches Road School, Redhill, he worked as an assistant secretary for Walter Prideaux, who ran five shops in London selling eggs and poultry. In the Second World War, Mr Waller served in the Royal Army Service Corps from 1939-40, then set off in a convoy of ships to north Africa. Somewhat impoverished and jobless, Mary and Eddie were sent to Redhill by their teacher-training college. It was a sheer coincidence that Eddie found himself back in the town he grew up in. He worked for many years at Earlswood School, St John's Road, specialising in art and geography. After a short stint of teaching, Mary found herself expecting her elder child, David, in 1948 while living with husband Eddie in a bedsit run by four rather eccentric maiden ladies at The Firs, a Georgian house in Brighton Road. For several years the couple had to bring up a baby in the cramped surroundings where there was nowhere to dry wet nappies. The ladies wouldn't allow a line to be put up in the garden. The couple were fortunate to find their present home, in The Cutting, Brighton Road, Redhill, in 1949. It was here that daughter Diana was born three days after Christmas in 1951. David and Diane provided the couple with four grandchildren – Clare, Sarah, Emily and Rosie.

From the Reigate and Banstead Council website 2009


The Sad death of Honorary Alderman Mrs Mary Waller: - Residents will be saddened to learn that Honorary Alderman Mrs Mary Agnes Waller passed away in the week of 14 September. Mary Waller was an exemplary community citizen serving the council since its inception in 1974 until 1998. She served as Mayor in 1997-1998 and was also Deputy Mayor and Mayoress when her husband, Honorary Alderman Eddie Waller was Mayor in 1992-1993. In 2002, the council conferred the title Honorary Alderman on Mrs Waller in appreciation and acknowledgement of the eminent services rendered by her to the council as an expression of the high esteem in which she was held. Cllr Mrs Joan Spiers, Council Leader, described her as "a real character who spent all of her spare time working for her residents." Mrs Spiers added: "Mary will be remembered by many for her valuable contribution to this borough. Her passing is an enormous loss for all of us.  Our thoughts are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time."

Born one of twin boys in Glynde, Sussex, John Prevett had a Grammar School education. He came to Redhill in 1955 when his father was appointed Station Master, and qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries the same year. He joined Bacon and Woodrow, consulting Actuaries in 1958 and became a partner of the firm in 1962. He retired in 1998. He became a Councillor in 1963 and served until 1969 and again from 1971 to 1984 and from 1986 on. He married Joy in 1959 and they celebrated their Ruby Wedding during his Mayoralty. John was closely associated with the campaign for better compensation for thalidomide children in the 1960s and 70s and received an OBE for this work in 1973. He has held various posts with other organisations and in 1995 attended a 'veteran's lunch' with Nelson Mandela in Pretoria for those who had worked internationally against apartheid for more than 30 years.

Mayor and Mrs Prevett's 40th wedding anniversary occurred in April, 1999, during his Mayoralty and they are shown cutting their cake at a celebration with family and friends. (Picture courtesy Surrey Mirror)

Honorary Alderman and humanitarian John Prevett OBE dies. (From The Redhill and Reigate Life)

Honorary Alderman of Reigate and Banstead Borough and former mayor John Prevett OBE, who served as a councillor on the old Reigate Borough Council and then Reigate and Banstead Borough Council for more than 40 years, died on January 31, 2010, aged 76. A Labour councillor, he was active in charity work and was an avowed humanitarian. He was especially involved in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and was a prominent local member of Anti-Apartheid and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
...... Mr Prevett, whose family worked on the railways and whose father was stationmaster at Redhill, served in the Friends Ambulance Service during his National Service in the 1950s, because he was a conscientious objector to military service. He worked mostly in Austria, helping Hungarian refugees displaced by the Second World War.
......After this, he worked in the field of actuaries, qualifying as the country's youngest ever actuary at the age of 22. He was involved in designing a lot of high-level pension funds, including internationally, and later became a partner in his actuarial firm, Bacon and Woodrow. As a humanitarian against apartheid, he worked through the Canon Collins Trust to help refugees in South Africa with aid and education, and continued that work after apartheid finished.
......Locally, Mr Prevett represented various areas of the borough as a councillor, and was also active in the RNIB, CAB and the Colman Institute, while on the national scene he received an OBE in 1974 for his work advising parents of Thalidomide children in their fight for compensation.
......Married to Joy, and with two sons, Steven and David, Mr Prevett had six grandchildren, and a non-identical twin brother, Dr Peter Prevett. His son Steven said simply he was “very proud” of his father. His friend John Barton of Reigate Constituency Labour Party said: “John was a remarkable humanitarian who was respected and admired by many local people. “He was highly respected all-round and across the board. He will be greatly missed.” A spokeswoman for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said: “In July 2006 the council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on John Prevett in appreciation and acknowledgement of his eminent services to the borough and its predecessor, and as an expression of the high esteem in which he was held.” Mr Prevett served on the former Reigate Council from 1963 to 1969 and from 1971 until 1974, and then on Reigate and Banstead Borough Council for ten years from its inception in 1974, and then from 1986 until 2006. He was mayor of the borough from 1998 to 1999.
......His funeral took place at St Paul's United Reformed Church, Hatchlands Road, Redhill, on Wednesday , February 17th 2010.

Picture of Mayor Cowle and his wife, Rosemary, courtesy of the Borough Times.

A Barrister, he served on Reigate and Banstead Council for some 20 years chairing Council Committees. He is a past President of the Reigate Society and of the the Surrey Mayors Association. At various times he held office as Chair of School Governing Bodies and of a local Choir Trust. 2000-2001 was his second term as Mayor of the Borough. He was made an Honourary Alderman in 2006. The family of his wife, Anne, have lived in the Borough for many years.

Picture copyright Lisa Bowerman

Barrister and legal consultant Councillor Circus became Mayor in May 2003 after being a councillor in the northern part of the Borough for three years. For the last two of these years he had been a portfolio holder in the Council Executive and for the last year Deputy leader of the Council.

Mayor Philip Circus and wife Gaenor

Councillor David Pay took over the chain of office of Mayor of the Borough of Reigate on May 18th 2006. His wife, Barbara, pictured here with him, will be Mayoress. Councillor Pay was elected to represent Redhill West Ward in 2000. He has been on several committees and has been leader of the Conservative group. His theme for his Mayoral term will be young people and as many as possible will be welcomed to the Town Hall. His chosen charities are The Childrens' Trust and St Catherine's Hospice. (see also 89th Mayor for more information on Councillor David Pay)

In November 2007 Mayor Mrs Ross-Tomlin presented ex-councillor Dr Michael Ormerod with the Freedom of the Borough, only the third time the honour has been awarded since the inauguration of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead in 1974. Dr Ormerod was a councillor for 31 years until he retired in May 2007, and was for much of that time the leader of the Labour party.

Councillor Richard Mantle lives at Woodmansterne and representd the Ward of Chipstead, Hooley and Woodmansterne. He has served on the Planning and Licensing Committees. Apart from his Council duties Richard serves as a Banstead Commons Conservator and is the Deputy Chairman of the Dowlands Project.

Richard was born and raised in Herefordshire but moved to this aea about twenty-five years ago. He worked in an accountancy practice in the City until starting his own business locally. He has lived with his family in Wodmansterne for ten years.

Richard's interests are history and the countryside. He is a founder member of the Banstead Local history Society. His interest in the countryside has involved him in the planting of a vineyard locally.

Councillor David Pay has been a councillor for ten years. Since his election he has served each year as a member of the Planning Committee, holding the posituion of vice-chairman for two terms, and more recently as chairman for two terms. he has also been vice-chairman on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. His interest remains with the natural and built environment and he has served fior ten years with the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, chairing it for two years.

Councillor Pay served an apprenticeship with his uncle as a clockmaker with a two year itrruption for national service with the RAF. His work is concentrated on the restoration of 17th-19th century clocks. He is a member of the British Horological Institute and the British Antique Dealers Association.

As in his 1st term in 2006 - 7 the Mayor's wife, Barbara, will accompany him. The Mayor's charities this time are Reigate Priory Museum, which has no regular funding, ORBIT shed, whose object is to advance education in the performing arts locally, St Catherine's Hospice and The YMCA Reigate and Redhill.

Reigate Hill Conservative Councillor Roger Newstead, 73, was elected unopposed in May 2012 for a second term. He will be accompanied by his wife and lady mayoress, Mary, who was awarded the MBE for her services to young disabled people.

Concillor Newstead said that he believes that history gives guidance to the future and that we should keep traditions alive. We should be proud of our acheivements.

The new Mayor's charities will be Combat Stress, whichs helps service veterans withs mental health problems, and The Srrey Care Trust, which helps people improve their future prospects.