Join the Mayor of Barnstaple, Cllr Janet Coates at this years Country Music Hoedown. Enjoy an afternoon of line dancing, live music, tin can shootout and lots more.
Cllr Janet Coates Town Mayor 2024- 2025
Cllr Janet Coates was inaugurated as Town Mayor for May 2024 to May 2025 at the Mayor Making Ceremony on 23rd May 2024.
Cllr Coates was elected in 2019 and represents Pilton and Yeo Ward. She has lived in Barnstaple since birth and spent most of her teaching career in schools in North Devon. Her last post was at Pilton Infants’ School, where she worked as a teacher and Deputy Head. Since retiring, she has been a volunteer with Action for Children, helping in various groups and in her local church playgroup. She is Chair of Pilton United Charity, and one of the Directors of Pilton House Trust. She is also soon to join the Davie Trust as a Trustee. Cllr Coates and her consort Miss Gwen Thomas look forward to serving the community of Barnstaple as Mayor in the year ahead.
Cllr Coates stands as the 706th Mayor of Barnstaple Town Council since records began in 1301.
It is normal practice, when introducing the Mayor at a function to refer to her as either “Mayor”, “Town Mayor of Barnstaple” or “Councillor Coates”.
If you would like to invite the Mayor to your event, please complete the Mayoral Engagement Request Form below.
Mayoral Charities
The Town Mayor’s charities have been chosen personally by Cllr Coates for the amazing work being done for and with local residents. Cllr Coates will be holding a number of fundraising events throughout her term in office, supporting Clarity and Special Olympics.
Civic Duties
There is a civic aspect to the role of Town Mayor. They are required to attend a wide spectrum of events organised by local organisations, as well as representing Barnstaple at functions outside of the town.
Taking on the role of the Mayor is a significant voluntary undertaking as they may be required to attend events on a daily basis or sometimes several events in one day.
Through the Town Council office, they help to organise various charity fundraising events and projects each year. For example, charity meals, quiz nights, family fun days, bucket collections and more.
The Deputy Mayor for 2024-2025 is Councillor Joanna Orange. Councillor Orange will attend events and chair meetings as required when the Town Mayor is unavailable.
