Things have come full circle for Horncastle’s new Mayor – thanks to a poignant 40 year milestone in her civic role.

Coun Mrs Fiona Martin was appointed the town’s new Mayor for 2026/2027 recently – with her son, Coun James Martin, given the role of deputy mayor.

But this won’t be the first time this mother and son have stood in the Mayoral role together – they did so 40 years ago, albeit James was just a foetus at the time.

For in 1986, when Coun Fiona was first appointed to the role of Mayor, she was the youngest mayor in Horncastle’s history at 32. She was also pregnant with James.

Then and now: Horncastle Mayor, Coun Fiona Martin, with her son - deputy Mayor, Coun James Martin. Inset: Fiona and baby James in 1986. Image courtesy of the Horncastle Then & Now book.

placeholder image — Then and now: Horncastle Mayor, Coun Fiona Martin, with her son - deputy Mayor, Coun James Martin. Inset: Fiona and baby James in 1986. Image courtesy of the Horncastle Then & Now book.

"As far as I’m aware, there hasn’t been any other mayors in the town’s history who have given birth whilst being Mayor,” said Fiona, who has been a town councillor for 47 years. “Of course, the further back in history you go, the less likely it was that there would have been a female mayor at all.”

Back in 1986, the Horncastle News - then part of the Lincolnshire Standard Group - visited Fiona in hospital to cover the story and took a snap of Mayor Fiona holding baby James from her hospital bed.

"I think the headline said something like ‘Motherly Mayor’,” Fiona recalls.

Since joining the council in 1979, Fiona has served as Mayor of Horncastle an impressive 10 times. James joined the council in 2015, with 2026 being his first year as Deputy Mayor. He is also the Chairman of the Town Council’s Personnel and Finance Committee.

"Things have changed dramatically over the last 40 years,” Fiona recalls. “I think there have gradually been less and less civic engagements to go to. This was most noticeable after Covid – but there is still plenty to be done.”

Asked what her main aims for the year are, she added: “I would like to see more things to support young people in the town. We have recently opened the new play area, which has been a huge success. We would like to continue improving facilities, including the smaller play areas on housing estates in the town, and the Coronation Walk play area.”