Mayor making since 1297

Since 1297 the Christchurch annual Christchurch Mayor making ceremony has taken place to welcome the new municipal year. This year’s ceremony was duly conducted in front of Honorary Freemen, members and guests, although formal and full of heritage it is a serious process to thank the outgoing Mayor and to welcome the new. This year we paid attention to making the whole process more visitor friendly with shortened speeches and a much slicker presentation. I think it went very well. The year will see the end of the traditional Mayors posh lunch as in these austere times consideration has to be given to how we reduce budgets commensurate with the economic pressures we are under and their consequences. There will be a reception of some kind but a much more modest affair. Similarly the Civic ceremony at the Priory has a slightly changed format with only soft drinks being served at the reception afterwards in the Red House museum garden and more to the point with all attendees invited. Should be a bit of a squeeze but it would be nice for all of us to meet unofficially the many volunteers who turn up for the service . This has not happened in the past with only a selected few enjoying the delights of the gardens and I do not think that is right or proper. For those traditionalists who see either the Mayors posh lunch or the Red House bash as a significant event and an acceptable use of taxpayers’ money, we can always review the situation when the economic climate deems it appropriate.