The Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday 27th May, 2009 saw the retiring Town Mayor Councillor Ian Harrington, with profound and sincere thanks and appreciation, raise a grand total of £8252 which was divided in equal measure between his two chosen Charities:- the Myasthenia Gravis Association and "Heel and Toe."

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Graham said that it would be remiss of him if he did not congratulate the outgoing Mayor Ian Harrington on his excellent year in office, a position he had filled with honour and dignity. The amount raised was an example of his strong will and determination and on behalf of Council Members and Staff he wished him well for the future.

The procedure then followed that nominations for the incoming Mayor were taken and Councillor Miss Sarah Armstrong was duly elected Town Mayor for the Civic Year. The Chain of Office was then presented to Councillor Armstrong by the outgoing Town Mayor.

Councillor Armstrong thanked everyone for attending and said how much she was looking forward to serving as the Mayor for the forthcoming year. She appreciated the honour of becoming Town Mayor and, with the support of colleagues, she would do her utmost to be a credit to Spennymoor Town Council and the people of the Town.

In taking over from Councillor Harrington she hoped she could perform her duties with as much grace and dignity and was looking forward to working hard for the people of Spennymoor and her chosen charity. She announced that her chosen Charity for the Civic Year would be ‘The Butterwick Hospice’.

Councillor Garry Heslop was appointed Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year. Upon receiving the Chain, Councillor Heslop took the opportunity to thank his fellow Councillors for their support and vote of confidence in proposing him for the position. It was a great honour for him and his family and he pledged to support the Town Mayor and fulfil his responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment and promised to work hard and do his best for the people of Spennymoor.