Councillor Sheila Cowen has been appointed as Rotherham’s new First Citizen.
At the Council’s Annual Ceremonial Meeting on Friday 17 May, Councillor Cowen became the 119th Mayor of Rotherham – following in the footsteps of the previous Mayor, Councillor Robert Taylor and Rotherham’s first-ever Mayor, John Matthew Habershon, who held the position between 1871 and 1872.
The new Mayor of Rotherham served in the Royal Air Force during her teenage years before pursuing a passion for education, studying at university and working as a teacher for 27 years focusing on special needs.
She has been a Borough Councillor since 2021 and represents the Wath Ward.
The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Sheila Cowen, said: “I am bursting with pride to serve the people of Rotherham as Mayor. My background serving in the military and working as a teacher has given me the discipline to approach this role with confidence.
“Over the coming year, I am looking forward to representing the Borough at events. I want to be out there speaking with local residents and supporting communities.”
The Mayor will support charities during her term of office. The following charities have been chosen:
Help 4 Homeless Veterans (Charity No 1148155) provides support for veterans facing homelessness, by working with private landlords and housing associations to provide help and support to members of the Armed Forces community and assist to improve the lives of veterans in need.
The Rotherham Hospice Trust (Charity No 700356) provides excellence in care for adults throughout Rotherham affected by a terminal illness. Dedicated staff and volunteers provide palliative care to help patients and their families achieve the very best quality of life, both at home and in the Hospice.
The Common Lands of Rotherham Charity (Charity No 223050) is Rotherham’s oldest charity, established in the early part of the 14th century. Present charitable work consists of two main areas: support for the disadvantaged throughout Rotherham and provision of educational scholarships and bursaries.
Roundabout Ltd (Charity No 1061313) is a local youth housing charity providing shelter, support and life skills to young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service offers a pathway to young people to gain independent living skills and to be supported to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Councillor Sheila Cowen has served as the Deputy Mayor for the last 12 months, a role which has now been taken by Councillor Rukhsana Ismail.
Mayor’s Parade – Saturday 18 May, All Saints’ Square from 10am
Following the appointment of Rotherham’s new First Citizen, local residents are invited to welcome the new Mayor at this annual event.
Celebrate Rotherham’s rich civic history and watch the procession make its way through the town centre.
Further information can be found on the Rotherham town centre website