The Town Mayor is elected by the Town Councillors annually and holds office from the Mayor Making ceremony (generally held in early May) until the ceremony of the following year. The Town Mayor has the responsibility to promote and uphold the character of Farnham and encourage public involvement in the Council’s activities as well as the duties of presiding over meetings of Full Council and of representing the town at Civic and ceremonial functions. The Mayor also has the opportunity to raise funds during the Year of Office for his/her named charity. The Farnham Town Mayor for the Municipal Year 2011/12 is Councillor Jill Hargreaves.

Jill Hargreaves and her young family chose to settle in Farnham nearly 30 years ago, after a much-travelled childhood as the daughter of an army officer.  She has lived in many parts of the world and her first job was with NATO in Paris, followed by managerial posts with an engineering company and Nightingales Nursing and Homecare.

Jill’s experience with Nightingales created in her a life-long desire to work for the well-being of older people.  She believes strongly that every person should be treated with dignity and compassion, regardless of age or infirmity.

Jill Hargreaves has represented Firgrove Ward on both Waverley Borough and Farnham Town Councils for the past four years.  During that time she has worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents.

Jill has played a leading role in Farnham in Bloom and has successfully brought together local businesses and other members of the community.

Jill has been the Deputy Mayor of Farnham for the past year and has witnessed first hand the important work of the town’s army of volunteers.  Her love of the town remains undiminished and her work on both councils leaves Jill with little spare time.  However, in addition to running a successful jewellery business, Jill also finds time to indulge her passion for the arts, local heritage and the Surrey countryside.  Jill is a member of the Countryside Alliance.  Jill is also determined to fight to protect our local countryside and to preserve our historic market town for future generations to enjoy.

Jill has chosen Farnham Assist as her Charity where, influenced by her experiences with Nightingales, she is particularly keen to support the elderly community.  For more information about Jill's chosen charity, please visit the Mayor's Charity page.