Mayor of Garstang(Town Mayor) is elected annually from amongst the councillors at the Annual Town Council meeting in May (also called the Mayor Making). The Mayor serves as both Chairman of the Town Council and the ceremonial figurehead for Garstang.

I am honoured and grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Garstang for another year. It is a privilege to represent both the people and the place that make our town so special.

One of my priorities this year is to help renew awareness of Garstang’s proud status as the world’s first Fairtrade Town. A few years ago, while travelling in Goa, I met a pharmacist who immediately recognised Garstang because of its Fairtrade heritage and told me how Fairtrade had positively affected his family’s life. It was a powerful reminder that our town’s reputation extends far beyond our own community. I hope residents will continue to support Fairtrade products and, where possible, consider donating them to our local food bank, helping both local families and producers around the world.

Another important focus for me is encouraging greater involvement from younger people in our community. While Garstang has a strong tradition of civic participation, we must ensure that younger residents and new families feel welcomed and included. I would like to support efforts to re-establish a Youth Council and create opportunities for young people to share their ideas, ambitions, and concerns through informal discussion forums and community events.

I am also delighted to welcome Elijah Wilkinson, who will accompany me at selected civic events throughout the year. I hope his involvement will help encourage more young people to engage with local civic life and community activities.

As Mayor, I will continue the tradition of supporting charitable causes. This year, I have chosen to support the Armed Forces Breakfast Club and Defying Dementia at Lancaster University. Both organisations undertake invaluable work, whether supporting veterans or advancing dementia awareness and research, and I look forward to helping raise awareness and support for their efforts.

I am excited about the year ahead and the opportunities it presents to celebrate our community, strengthen local connections, and build on Garstang’s proud traditions. I look forward to meeting many of you at events throughout the year and working together to make a positive difference for our town.

Councillor Sandra Perkins,
Mayor of Garstang
2026-2027

Photo credit - Michael Coleran