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THE MAYOR OF SALFORDS ENAUGARATION JUNE 2009

Copied from the Mayors diaries.

Sunday 21 June
Today was the second part of my installation as Mayor of Salford with a Civic Sunday Celebration. In the past this has taken the form of a parade in the current Mayor’s ward followed by a service in their local church. As an atheist I felt it would be more appropriate to have a non-religious celebration so I had asked for a selection of local people to be involved in providing a programme of entertainment to reflect the amazing talent that is all around. A parade of over 100 people formed up at the old Council Offices on Astley Road in Irlam and preceded by Cadishead Band marched to Princes Park. I felt very proud walking with Chief Officers from Salford City Council as well as representatives from Salford University, the Chinese, French and Polish Consuls and local cubs, scouts and girl guides amongst others.

On arrival the parade was provided with refreshments before the concert started. Up first was Sue Ness reading a poem written about me by local poet Sybil Norcott; then followed the Evergreens a local women’s choir who sang ‘songs from the shows’;

[next were a variety of groups from the local Stagecraft Dance Centre, they included belly dancers, lots of Blues Brothers as well a host of young girls performing 60’s songs including Lulu’s ‘Shout’, they were fantastic and the whole cast finished up as backing singers to Carole Bennett whose beautiful voice rounded off their section;]

bringing the event to a close were a suitably refreshed Cadishead Band who provided a rousing finish and even included an Abba medley in their performance.

A fabulous afternoon with the weather holding good for once this year and another proud event for the Mayoress and I to really get our year of office rolling. My thanks to everyone who took part and to the excellent group of people who did all the organising behind the scenes.