With the Mace Bearer

This Sunday was my first Civic Service as Town Mayor and what a lovely one it was too!  I went along to Wareham for a morning service onthe most beautiful sunny day.  It’s been a while since I was in Wareham but having gone to school down there (er herm, a while ago now), it was all coming back to me as we walked around.

We joined the rest of the dignitaries at the Town Hall and were led by the Meridian band in a long procession, through town (with a rolling road block).  Those looking on from the pavements were waving and taking photos and video, it was such a lovely atmosphere.  I want to wave back but that would be too ‘Queen like’ I think (maybe just occasionally to small children?)!

We arrived at St Marys which is down by the Quay ready for the 10am service.  The Church was well attended and there was an interesting sermon from Reverand Canon Everett about the reasons people join local and national government and how that should be about adding value rather than for personal ambition!

Wareham have a Mace Bearer (pictured with me) and their Town Clerk is a more traditional role than our own.  He wore a black gown and horse hair wig and did a reading in the service.

After the service the band marched us back through town again to the Town Hall for refreshments and a chance for me to get to know some of the other Mayors and deputies.  I think I’ll remember perhaps a single name to a face at each of these events!

The Town Mayor Cllr Mrs Carol Turner was lovely and welcoming and I think quite an experienced Mayor – this is not her first time!  She and I had a chat about the virtues of being small Mayors – she won the prize on that one!

A great day all round!