York's Civic Party

Left to right, The Sword Bearer, The Lord Mayor of York, The Mayoress, The Mace Bearer

Councillor Martin Rowley BEM is the Lord Mayor of York for the civic year of 2025 to 2026; Mrs Elizabeth Rowley is the Lady Mayoress, and has prepared the following summary of her life and career to date.

"I was born and brought up in York.

I attended Hempland Primary School then Mill Mount Grammar School. At the age of 18, I moved to Bradford to do my registered nurse training. After a time at York Hospital working on the Orthopaedic ward, having married Martin in 1989, I moved to Cheshire then Buckinghamshire where I worked as a night sister in elderly care while raising our 3 sons then pursued my dream of working in the community where I worked in rural Buckinghamshire.

I moved back to york 24 years ago where I worked as a practice nurse and added a daughter to the brood.

I nursed for 27 years before joining Martin in the family firm.

Alongside this I enjoyed raising 4 children and being a foster carer for several years.

When I’m not working, I enjoy countryside and coastal walks, being involved in my local church and frequenting coffee shops with friends.

I also enjoy caravanning with Martin and spending time with my little granddaughter.

Also see

• Lord Mayor's and Sheriff's Charities