I was suitably dressed for the threatened rain when we left the house this morning for the Civic parade and church service. The weather forecast lat night had prompted me to get my raincoat out of the wardrobe and to put a small brolly in my pocket. In the event I didn't really need either.
The parade assembled at Stonefield Park. Our Town Mayor, Philip Leason led the parade followed by other civic dignitaries, mayors and chairmen from neighbouring councils, local councillors and various local organisations. As always the Parade Marshall, Dave Cummings, did a valiant job trying to get us all to march in step and - as always- failed miserably! I overheard one member of the parade being advised that left was her 'wedding ring' side!
The church service was well attended and totally appropriate to the occasion. John Ferrie has always been one of the principal ushers at the occasions in the past but, due to his recent operation, wasn't able to perform those duties today. However it was good to see Harry Brunt helping George Beecham so efficiently. These two former councillors have given so much of their time and energy over the decades for the benefit of the town and it is good to see that defeat at the polls has not diminished their enthusiasm for continuing to work for the community. I respect them both so much.
A short march after the service took us back to the Market Square where Philip made a short speech of thanks just before the rain started - so a quick dash into the Crown for the reception during which Philip presented David Rawlins, the Chief Executive of Stafford Borough Council, with a gift to mark his last appearance at a Stone Civic Sunday - he will have retired by the time of next years event
The parade assembled at Stonefield Park. Our Town Mayor, Philip Leason led the parade followed by other civic dignitaries, mayors and chairmen from neighbouring councils, local councillors and various local organisations. As always the Parade Marshall, Dave Cummings, did a valiant job trying to get us all to march in step and - as always- failed miserably! I overheard one member of the parade being advised that left was her 'wedding ring' side!
The church service was well attended and totally appropriate to the occasion. John Ferrie has always been one of the principal ushers at the occasions in the past but, due to his recent operation, wasn't able to perform those duties today. However it was good to see Harry Brunt helping George Beecham so efficiently. These two former councillors have given so much of their time and energy over the decades for the benefit of the town and it is good to see that defeat at the polls has not diminished their enthusiasm for continuing to work for the community. I respect them both so much.
A short march after the service took us back to the Market Square where Philip made a short speech of thanks just before the rain started - so a quick dash into the Crown for the reception during which Philip presented David Rawlins, the Chief Executive of Stafford Borough Council, with a gift to mark his last appearance at a Stone Civic Sunday - he will have retired by the time of next years event
