Mayor’s blog – 8 December 2023
Posted on: 8 December 2023
When Remembrance time comes round, I often start wondering about the stories behind the lists of names. In my village, Churchdown, I think there are 28 names of young men who died in the First World War. 28 stories of grief and loss. Several were decorated for their bravery. All were missed.
I look and think and wonder what it all means.
I was pleased to lead the ceremony at the foot of the flag stand outside the borough council offices, where I was joined by many of our officers, and representatives from the NHS, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Royal British Legion. The names of police officers who died during the world wars were read out, and wreaths were laid on behalf of the council and by officers representing the men and women at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. There we stood in silence listening to the familiar words,
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. We will remember them.
I joined with the congregation at St John’s in Churchdown on Remembrance Sunday as again we gave thanks for the bravery of those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Continuing the military theme, I had a very special invitation to share in a dinner and awards ceremony for the Rifles. Our very own Gloucestershire Regiment, along with various other regiments now form the Rifles. This dinner and ceremony took place in the City of London Guildhall in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment.
I was delighted to be invited to represent the borough, so I polished my shoes and checked that I could still get into my dinner suit. It was a splendid occasion, very smoothly organised by the regiment. The Guildhall was a superb setting for such an event. The Queen gave a really good speech, and after the dinner presented the various awards, making sure each recipient was photographed with her. We can be proud of the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces.
The City of London Guildhall
This will be my last blog before Christmas, so I want to take this opportunity to wish all our residents a very happy Christmas. I would have been disappointed if I had not been given the opportunity to turn on the Christmas lights somewhere in our borough, so I was eager to accept the invitation to do just that in Bishop’s Cleeve.
Turning on the Christmas lights in Bishop’s Cleeve
A huge crowd assembled to enjoy the Christmas stalls and to listen to choirs and music groups. As the hour approached, I climbed onto the stage and, with the help of the crowd, counted down 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… LIGHTS!
It all worked perfectly, and the area was filled with lights and cheering. Alas, although I found Santa Claus, with a long queue waiting to see him, the Christmas elf proved elusive. I shall have to complain to the leader of the council!
For me, the lights are significant. The days are short and the nights are long, and there are so many dark problems for us to face. That moment of lighting seemed to offer a glimmer of hope in our dark world. Hope for everyone. Those who share my faith will join me in looking towards the one who is the light and hope of the world.
To everyone, whatever your beliefs, I want to say have a very happy Christmas and may next year bring us all peace and prosperity.
