The People Who Make Mock Mayor Magic: A Thank You from the Bottom of Our (Slightly Ridiculous) Hearts
- Ed Creasey
- Oct 25
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Let's be honest: the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor tradition is completely ridiculous. We elect a mayor who has no actual power, organise elaborate ceremonies wearing fancy dress, hold "official" meetings of the Corporation in the pub, and somehow convince an entire town that this is not only normal but absolutely brilliant.
But here's the thing – none of this magnificent silliness would happen without an incredible team of volunteers who take being silly very, very seriously. After another successful year of Mock Mayoring, it's time to say thank you to the people who make the magic happen.
The Dream Team: Your Mock Mayor Committee
Vijay Mistry - Mr Marketing
Vijay is the organisational wizard who makes sure our event works smoothly! This includes the games, stands, raffles, tombolas, marshalls, food vendors, visitors, Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Vijay makes sure they actually work together rather than descending into delightful chaos. We're fairly certain he's actually three people operating under one name, because no single human should be able to juggle this much while jet-setting across continents. Vijay, you're a legend.
Sam Samra - The Music Man
Sam likes to stand in the background, but he's always at the front of the queue when we ask for volunteers (and yes, we've noticed). He's the reason our bands sound good, our DJs keep the party going, and our sound system doesn't spontaneously combust. Silent but essential – like a really good bassline.
Damian Thompson - The Father of the (Mad) House
Every Mock Mayor Corporation needs a wise elder statesman, and Damian is ours. He keeps us true to our traditions, runs the bar while the rest of us make fools of ourselves (someone has to maintain dignity), and hosts very popular committee meetings at his home pub. We suspect the meetings are so well-attended because of Damian's hospitality, but we're not complaining. Tradition matters, and so does a good pint.
James Smith - The New Blood
In his first year at the Corporation, James has made an instant impression. He's upped our promotional game, calms us down when we're in crisis mode (which is more often than we'd like to admit), and brings the entire Smith clan to help out. We are so, so glad you're here, James. You've proven that fresh eyes and steady hands make all the difference.
Nick Tonks - The Triple Threat
A volunteer, friend, AND sponsor! Nick is the incredibly efficient committee member who makes a tangible difference every single year. He's very silly and very serious in equal measure – the perfect balance for Mock Mayor duties. If there were an award for Most Valuable Mock Person, Nick would be a perennial contender. If there were a prize for non-attendance at committee meetings, he would also be a contender!
Dom Kingsmill-Stocker - The Mock Mayor Himself
Our new Mock Mayor takes being silly very, very seriously. Highly committed to weekly meetings in the pub (dedication!), Dom brings irreverence and fun to the role of Mock Mayor. His friends and family have become wonderful "friends of the show," proving that Mock Mayor is infectious. Dom, you wear that ceremonial chain with more pride than most people wear actual positions of power.
Karen "Jonesy" Jones - The Return of the Queen
Straight outta Clapham, Jonesy took a sabbatical year, and we missed her desperately. A legend of the Mock Mayor, who gets stuff done and keeps us true to our principles. Glad to have you back, Jonesy – you've made an instant impression by arranging a wonderful donations tea party. Some people are just Mock Mayor people, and you're one of them.
Dave Lynch-Thomas - The Newest Member
Our newest committee member and host of the Mock Pub (aka The Woodstock Arms), Dave has taken to Mocking like a duck to water. There's something special about someone who can host a pub AND embrace the absurdity of Mock Mayor with equal enthusiasm. Welcome to the madness, Dave!
Our Junior Mock Mayors - we're proud that we've only ever had female Junior Mock Mayors. To our current and youngest JMM Poppy, and our past Mayors Felcility, Phoebe, Joanna, Scarlett, and Isabel - we're so proud of you. You bring Girl Power to the Mock Mayor.
Oona Samra - Our Chief Digital Officer Oona is our social media wizard who transforms chaotic committee updates into engaging content and blurry event photos into social media gold. She makes our ridiculous antics appear organised and appealing to the public. Thank you for making Mock Mayor social media savvy, Oona!
The Magnificent Supporting Cast
The committee does a lot of work, but they'd be lost without these incredible people:
The Mock Widows and Long-Suffering Families - We are so sorry for all the stress and worry. We know "just popping to the pub for a committee meeting" is now a phrase that strikes fear into your hearts. Thank you for sharing your loved ones with Mock Mayor, for pretending to believe it's "important volunteer work," and for not changing the locks when they come home wearing a ceremonial chain. Your patience is legendary, your tolerance is saintly, and yes, we promise this is the last event of the year. (Until next year.)
DJ Lucy - Giving up your precious time to keep Mock Mayor funky! And putting up with a really annoying brother (we assume – every DJ Lucy has one). Thank you for the tunes.
Si Newton (Darke and Taylor) - Friend, sponsor, sound man, and great supporter of the Mock Bar. Si proves that professionalism and Mock Mayor aren't mutually exclusive.
Rachel Peters (Woodstock Town Council) - Our super volunteer. The 5th Beatle, the 12th player who changes the game. Both before and on the day, we appreciate you more than you know, Rachel!
Merilyn Davies (Blenheim Palace) - Your support for the community gives us the confidence to put this event on every year. Having Blenheim's backing means the world to us.
Woodstock Town Council - we may Mock you (it is our job!), but we appreciate the support of many "real" Mayors. Anne Grant, Nick Manby-Brown, John Banbury, and many more Mayors have danced with us and financially supported Mock Mayor.
Martyn Brittain (Breckon & Breckon) - Loyal support for our event every year, and your advertising boards help us spread the word far and wide. Your consistency is hugely appreciated.
Rachel Faulkner - Bringing the samba rhythms to Mock Mayor every year. You add the beat that gets everyone moving.
Sol Samba - The beating heart of the event. Literally. You ARE the rhythm.
Greg Knight - Volunteers for the bar for us without complaint every year, which drives our fundraising. Patient, efficient, and somehow still smiling at the end of the day.
Greg Ashley-Hooper - Our Mock Mayor composer! The song is epic, and your advice from years of Woodstock Live experience is critical.
Jack Walker and Harry Moseley (Woodstock Live) - Partners in crime, we appreciate your support on the day and throughout the year. The Woodstock event scene is a family, and you're part of ours.
Nick Harris, Mark Mann & Tom Richards - Dear friends who turn up every year and will soon be experts at gazebo construction. Your loyalty doesn't go unnoticed, and one day those gazebos will go up in record time. One day.
Woody - Mr Raffle himself, looks good in a top hat, and quite frankly was born to Mock. Some people are destined for greatness; some are destined for Mock Mayor. You, Woody, are the latter – and that's a compliment.
Melanie Watkins - She makes the tombola tick, and manages to handle several teenage daughters of the committee who "help".
238 years of volunteers - Finally, thank you to all those who have volunteered for Mock Mayor since 1786. Many are stalwarts of our community: Stan "the man" Angol, Amy (and Bill until #Morrisgate), Tom Cosgrove, Lorna, Micky D, Kate, Lee & Janine Saxton, Rachel Thompson, and many more. We stand on the shoulders of very silly and badly behaved giants.
The Heart of It All
Here's what makes Mock Mayor special: it's not about the ceremonial chains or the official titles or even the fundraising (though £20k to local charities in the last 8 years isn't too shabby). It's about keeping a tradition going that tells the story of our town's history. It's a community that comes together to do something completely silly and completely wonderful at the same time. And it's providing it as a free, accessible event for the whole community.
Every single person mentioned above – and dozens more we haven't named – gives their time, energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to make Mock Mayor happen. Some organise, some perform, some build gazebos (eventually), and some just show up year after year because they believe in what we're doing.
And what are we doing? We're proving that you don't need to take yourself seriously to make a serious difference. We're showing that tradition and innovation can coexist. We're demonstrating that community spirit is alive and well in Woodstock. And we're having an absolutely brilliant time doing it.
Thank You
To every committee member, volunteer, sponsor, performer, and friend of Mock Mayor: thank you. Thank you for keeping Mocking alive. Thank you for believing in the beautiful absurdity of it all. Thank you for giving your time when you could be doing a thousand other things. Thank you for making Mock Mayor not just an event, but a genuine celebration of community.
The title may be mock, but our gratitude is absolutely real. See you next year – same time, same place, same magnificent silliness.
With genuine appreciation (and just a touch of irreverence),
Ed Creasey, Chair of The Old Woodstock Mock Mayor Corporation
Want to get involved next year? Whether you're a gazebo expert or a complete novice, a musical genius or tone-deaf, a marketing whiz or someone who wants to show up – we'd love you to join us. After all, Mock Mayor runs on community spirit, pub meetings, and an unreasonable amount of enthusiasm. Get in touch!
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