Investiture Date Looms

Deputy Mayor Duties; Now I really know that it is going to happen. Life in the Bateman family has started to change as the looming date to take up the position of Deputy Mayor comes into view. Last night and Wednesday night has seen both Mary and I at a function at the Civic Centre.

I cannot remember the last time that I spent two consecutive evenings there! It must have been some years back.

But on Wednesday night the current Mayor Cllr John Rowley invited Mary and I to a function he was holding for people that had helped him during his Mayoral Year. It was a pleasant evening and it gave us both a chance to speak with Councillor Alan Hart the current Deputy Mayor who will be taking over from Mayor Rowley next week. Alan Hart is the Deputy Mayor and his sister Beryl is Deputy Mayoress.

Councillor Hart was very kind and quickly sketched out what he was expecting of his new Deputy Mayor [me!]and Deputy Mayoress [Mary] after next Wednesday 23rd June 04 when we take up the positions.

There is certainly some trepidation on my part as I do not intend to give up my work; neither does Mary for that fact. I will be a true working Deputy Mayor in every sense of the word. I expect at time’s a very tired one!

Last night I watched as Mayor Rowley doled out cheques to his named charity, three big fat cheques were awarded to three named charities. I was impressed by the way that Mayor Rowley had managed to make such a formal ceremony so informal!

Later we had an audience with the Mayors Officials, a lot was explained, a lot has still to be explained, but the next part of the learning curve is to be at the rehearsal for the handing over of the reins of power. So another day is pencilled into the diary! Monday 21st June 10.30 rehearsal in the Wulfrun Hall. That will mean the re-arranging of an office meeting at TWM. I see the 9.00am meeting starting at 8.15. Stuart and Emma please note and expect the change! Sorry.

I think that come Wednesday afternoon and the big day…investiture beckons! We should be word perfect. Mary was in fits of giggles as I tried on the Deputy Mayors blue gown edged with Russian Sable….I couldn’t help a titter I as I stood there resplendent.

In fact I felt a right pratt! But I will get over it I am sure. Everyone in the Mayors office seems very nice. But I am sure over time I will test them with my poor memory and late timekeeping. Never mind though I am sure we have made a reasonable start as we gear our selves up to take this huge challenge.

The Sable has been dead for decades….isn’t it stoat in English?!!