Saturday, 7 June 2014

Triple Saturday

Just enjoyed a busy Saturday as mayor! When I woke up this morning, I didn't expect to feel so good about it. It was more a case of 'Oh no, what have I got myself into now!' and 'Am I really up to this?'

But now it's all over, I think it's been wonderful.

The day began at the town hall cafĂ© with local historian Mike Crawford, talking about the WW1 display that will go up for the centenary. I've done some research on the Independent Labour Party (ILP)and local opposition to the war and we were planning how to fit it in without giving undue prominence to the minority who actively opposed the war. For those who don't know, conscientious objection did not occur until 1916, when conscription was introduced. Until then, the army relied on volunteers. The ILP was, by and large, against the war and discouraged people from volunteering to fight. They also argued for a united states of Europe and a negotiated peace. The membership included one Nancy Wheelhouse, a strong minded fustian machinist from Hebden Bridge.

After that it was up to Doddnaze for their music festival. Unfortunately, the heavens opened and there was a downpour of such force that all the drains on the tops burst and a river of water sped down the road that goes down to the valley. I met the organisers including a woman called Kaz and Dave Boardman trying to put a brave face on it, but there was no way crowds of people were going to turn up in that weather. People laughed and joked but there was an obvious sense of disappointment because so much work had gone into the day, with a marquee for the bands, shops and a first aid station around the sodden playing field. I showed my support before Aeisha drove me to Halifax Minster for a fashion show for refugee week, which included people from the St Augustine centre, one of my mayoral charities.

There, I spoke about St Augustine's and introduced the second part of the programme, which included a fashion show of costumes based on nature. Quite stunning affairs, with people dressed as woodland and the like. I'll post some pics when they become available.

So it's been a full day! And tomorrow, it's the Handmade Parade, where I shall be dressed as Mayor Bear!

No comments:

Post a Comment