The Mayor saddles up for a fundraising event for the Riding for the Disabled Association
I knew from the outset that being the Mayor of St Albans city and district would be a special experience, but nothing prepared me for the enormous pleasure that I am experiencing meeting so many local, national and international people and organisations.
The month started with a celebration of ‘Older People Day’ at a respectable hour, however the following day commenced with a 7.20am breakfast and ended at midnight after a superb evening celebrating 100 years of a local company. The following days revolved around guests from our twin town Fano, in Italy. I also met an MP from Bangladesh and a team of young people from China.
The Magna Carta celebrations take place in St Albans next year and as Mayor I am a trustee of the Magna Carta Trust, and have been involved in an interesting evening at the Law Courts with The Master of the Rolls and fellow trustees to discuss celebrations over coming years.
I rode a horse as part of a charity riding event to raise money for Riding for the Disabled Association, attended two different local operatic society musical evenings and a number of choral evenings with local choirs and orchestras. I must not forget the visit of the Princess Royal, who opened two new buildings at St Georges School and other events involving local junior and senior schools.
The highlight of the month for me was my Civic Service which went very well. The Living Waters Gospel Singers set the scene followed by superb contributions from a combined choir from three junior schools in Wheathampstead, a Jewish Cantor singing psalms, a gospel soloist and of course the fabulous Cathedral Choir. The Dean opened the service with a superb introduction which put into context my theme for my mayoral year: “Your Community - Our Community” and my chaplain Rev Jenny Dyer from Harpenden Methodist church gave a great sermon.
Thank you everybody for making me so welcome and also for all you are doing for our community
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544 E-mail: Alison.orde@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the press:
Davina Mansell, information and communication officer
Tel: 01727 819316 E-mail: davina.mansell@stalbans.gov.uk
St Albans City and District Council
www.stalbans.gov.uk