Mayor-Making Ceremony
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
On 12th May 2026 Downham Market Town Council elected its Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2026/27. Councillors Barrie Wiles and Chris Sims both formally accepted the positions and are looking forward to working together for the benefit of Downham Market.
Cllr Barrie Wiles has been a resident of Downham Market for over 30 years, having a background in the farming business, directing and managing. He also owned a successful Driving School until his retirement at the age of 67. He has been married to his current wife for 32 years, and between them they have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. His hobbies include Speed Skating, marksmanship and golfing, and he describes himself as a self-confessed adrenaline junkie.
Cllr Wiles is excited for the work ahead in this coming Mayoral year, including the potential development of the Jubilee Community Centre site and introducing a new car park management system across council-managed facilities.
He has chosen for his Mayor’s Charity the Swan Youth Project, who do valuable work within the community.
Cllr Chris Sims is a retired graduate engineer specialising in Flight Simulation and has worked largely in Aerospace, serving in the RAF and the MOD as well as civilian companies. During his retirement he joined Downham Market Town Council in 2025 and looks forward to working together with Cllr Wiles in their roles as Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
