As a symbol of continuity who effectively connects the present with the past, the role of mayor is a recognisable role in our collective experiences.
Indeed, the role can be fulfilled by any person from any class, gender or ethnic background.
Perhaps most importantly of all though, the mayor is a tangible instrument of democracy.
This means, after they are chosen and appointed by councillors, the mayor acts as a politically impartial chairperson of the city council, ensuring proper conduct takes place in the council chamber during meetings.
Another key role for a mayor is to act as ambassador for the city, locally and at a national or international level but it is probably the mayor's civic role that residents are the most familiar with.2022 has been a unique year to previous mayoral years, with the mayor and mayoress of Peterborough both entering into the role with a vision to bring people together.
The mayor and mayoress have been frequently invited to attend events in the community, such as openings and fund-raising events organised by voluntary organisations
Below, the Peterborough Telegraph takes a look back at some of the key events attended by the mayor and mayoress during 2022.
5. Reaching out
The Mayor and Mayoress are passionate about reaching out and making themselves available to citizens by whatever means they can. "We thrive on being accessible," says Councillor Dr Shabina Qayyum. Here we see the Mayor and Mayoress paying a visit to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire to speak with people over the airwaves in June, 2022. Photo: David Lowndes
6. Building for the future
2022 has been a year of great change within Peterborough and much of that change has been physical. Comprehensive new building projects and ambitious redevelopment proposals have been an integral feature of the year and look likely to shape much of near future, too. Relatively modest 'nip-and tucks' can be be very bit as important though, especially to those communities who put in their own time and effort to make their locales even better places to live. Here we see the Mayor and Mayoress with residents of Tower Street, who all worked together to regenerate their Victorian-era mews in Woodston. Dr Dowson remarked, “it's quite remarkable - the people have done something very positive for the area.” Photo: David Lowndes
7. Helping those less well off
It's fair to say that 2022 has been a tough year for many. With the economic aftershocks of Covid still hitting hard and the cost of living crisis biting with venom, many individuals, families and business have struggled to make ends meet. "The message I want to share in such times of austerity, when people are suffering from poverty, is that I will try in the remainder of my tenure to continue to do my best to help those who are less well off by supporting organisations that help the deprived," the Mayor said. "We have much work left to do." Here we see Dr Dowson at the opening of a new Nisa store at Lawson Avenue in Stanground. The store made charitable donations to representatives from Little Miracles and the Peterborough Foodbank. Photo: David Lowndes
8. On to 2023
With 2023 almost upon us, looking to the future in inevitable. It is however, impossible to ponder the future without considering the past. Dr Dowson looks back at 2022 with mixed emotions: "I have had the opportunity to meet so many people during my tenure. It has been so worthwhile," he notes, adding, "we have much work left to do but have done a lot until now." Dr Qayyum is equally reflective: "It has been the honour of my life being able to assist Alan in his Mayoral role," she says. "There have been some tears along the way, meeting some people with sad stories behind them, and that is what fuels our work with foodbanks and other local charities." Here we see the Mayor and Mayoress lighting the candles at the beginning of the opening ceremony of 2022 Diwali celebrations in Cathedral Square Photo: David Lowndes