And I saw Le Tour from the rooftop of the marvellous White Ribbon Charity (Men against violence against women) which is based on New Road, Mytholmroyd, right above the route.
But I topped and tailed the day in Hebden Bridge giving out leaflets about the town and its festival scene to encourage people to explore what we have to offer throughout the year in the way of shops and entertainment .
The crowds looked genuinely pleased to be welcomed by the mayor with a guide to the town.
Later on, at the end of the day, they were taken aback, amused and then excited that the local mayor was leafleting them as they sat in Calder Holmes Park watching the race on the big screen in the sunshine.
People rushed up to me to take selfies on their Smartphones. One lad from Manchester said, 'The Mayor of Manchester wouldn't do this! I'm gonna walk right up to him and show him this photo and tell him he should do this too!'
One daft young twit tried to grab the chain because he wanted to wear it, but I dissuaded him. He announced, 'One day that chain will be mine' and I said' No, it won't be because it isn't anybody's. You only wear it as a gift for a year to honour others, not yourself'...which is quite good for me, off the cuff, so to speak.
Very pleased that someone from Liverpool (?) tweeted: Respect to Mayor of Hebden Royd who made his way thru spectators in the hub with chain, distributing leaflets re Hebden & exclaiming virtues - Leaving of Liverpool
Stephen Curry, a local businessman and community activist, who has stood against me in elections, also tweeted: Impressed to see initiative taken by #Hebdenbridge Mayor @JonathanTimbers to get out among visitors with Welcome to Hebden leaflets'
I take that as a big compliment. After all, the role is about promoting the area. It's the area and the chain that's special, not me! But it's still nice that my efforts were appreciated because the next day, I lost my voice!
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