Mayor of Salisbury Cllr Hocking says “It’s a real honour"

Councillor Sven Hocking was appointed as the  763rd right worshipful the mayor of the city of Salisbury, taking over from Councillor Atiqul Hoque who stepped down from his mayoral duties earlier this year.

The ceremony began at Salisbury Guildhall.

Cllr Hocking said: “I was at the Guildhall, having been there 11 times before, all this stuff has been put on for me - which was quite a humbling thing.”

A procession then passed through the city centre, from the guildhall to St Thomas’s Church, with a fanfare played by the Shrewton Silver Band.

Cllr Hocking said: “I turned around, and I saw the Giant, followed by Morris dancers, and followed by lots of people, and followed by lots more people.”

But with almost 200 people attending, it was impossible for Cllr Hocking to speak to everyone.

He said: “You try and get around everybody – I really wanted to thank everyone.”

Cllr Hocking has chosen Wiltshire Air Ambulance as his charity. They provide lifesaving, emergency services to the people of Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.

READ MORE: Oldie magazine running lunch in aid of Salisbury Samaritans

Cllr Hocking lives in Salisbury with his wife, the mayoress Mrs Marcia Gould-Hocking, who works at the hospital, and four children.

He also owns two businesses in the city.

“It’s a real honour, because I’ve got Salisbury running through my blood. I’m a Bishops [Wordsworth School] lad, and I’m as much a part of the city as anyone.”

His late father, and some family friends, have been helped by their services.

Over the next year, Cllr Hocking plans to host a number of events to raise money for the charity, including a “mayor's big birthday bash” on the Market Square on Sunday, July 28, and a gin tasting evening at the Pickled Frog on Thursday, September 19.

He also plans to host pop up “meet the mayor events” to give people the chance to come and speak with him, in and around Salisbury.

“Being appreciative, visible and around and about, so anyone can come and talk to me - and I’ll take off my political hat. If people see me – you’re welcome to come and chat.

“I just want to represent the city, support the city, promote the city and its residents – and be around."