LISTEN: Gill Cross on life as High Peak Mayoress

We naturally hear a lot about High Peak Mayor Councillor Ollie Cross and his civic functions but we rarely hear directly from the Mayoress, who this year is Ollie's wife Gill.

You’d assume that she has to spend a fortune on formal outfits for Mayoral engagements. But Gill told us she is thrifty, “I haven’t spent more than £20 on an outfit since becoming Mayoress.

"I mostly get my clothes from Hummingbird Hub, which is one of Ollie’s chosen charities. I also buy clothes from charity shops and beg and borrow outfits from friends and family." 

She added: “I run a foodbank and I just can’t justify spending a lot of money on clothes. We just don’t have that sort of cash. I believe in recycling. As long as I look smart, I’m happy. We can claim a clothing allowance from High Peak Borough Council but we won’t do that. I do admit I’ve had a couple of spray tans but I never have a manicure. I buy false nails and use superglue to make sure they stay on!" 

Gill has a busy life already, aside from her duties as Mayoress. She works at Carmel Church in Hadfield and also runs the Hadfield Coming Together Group, which includes the Bellies Not Bins food bank every Thursday. The group is also providing children with packed lunches over the summer holidays. 

She said: “Being Mayoress brings me into contact with people I wouldn’t ordinarily meet. Some of them are fascinating to speak to. I am learning with Ollie as we do more engagements together. People are always interested in the chain I wear. They always ask about it. I just enjoy meeting people and finding out about their lives." 

LISTEN: Hear more from Gill speaking to our Gill below...