A Christmas Day like never before... and hopefully never again

MY final comment in my December column was the Mayoress and I had decided not to have a family Christmas and to continue to stay at home and alone.

This was a difficult decision because we had never been on our own on Christmas Day before.

We tried, however, to do all the normal things that we did together with the family on this special day.

Getting up early and stuffing the turkey then covering the breasts with butter and streaky bacon and banging it in the oven before eight o’clock.

I did wonder why the Mayoress purchased a bird that was for 8 to 10 people?

It was then off the Christmas morning Mass minus carol singing, Covid rules sadly don’t allow congregations to sing, then back home to hot mulled wine and bacon butties.

Then it was ‘all hands to the pumps’ getting the veg peeled, prawn cocktails made and the table set; ‘all hands’ in reality were my hands! The Mayoress excelled, the festive meal was delicious.

It was then TV time with the Queens speech at 3pm, followed by excitedly opening our presents, just the two of them. Our presents to each other these day are practical ones, sadly not the romantic ones we used to receive; getting older has a lot to answer for.

Virtual contact was then made with the Family via a Zoom meeting which was good fun but, being honest, rather sad. Seeing our grown up children and grandchildren made us realise just how we miss them all.

We had a late tea which was a turkey salad not surprising there was plenty left. More TV and then early to bed.

I really don’t want another Christmas day like that one ever again.

Just prior to Christmas I had to cancel the Mayor’s Civic Carol service which was the very last appointment in the diary for the year.

I had been putting off cancelling this wonderful event until the very last minute hoping that something of normality would happen in the festive season.

I was clutching at straws and had to bend to reality; it would not have been safe for it to go ahead.

I am instead planning to have a Service of Thanksgiving just prior to my term of office coming to an end.

Instead of Christmas Carols, we will sing seasonable hymns, and then, after eating hot dogs instead of mince pies and drinking prosecco rather than mulled wine.

The Town Hall has now closed for renovation and a Mayor’s parlour has been temporally set up in Number one Riverside.

An empty office has been converted into an acceptable room where I will be able to invite important visitors to the Town.

Obviously it doesn’t have the grandeur of the Town Hall’s Mayor’s Parlour, which is steeped in history.

All the past Mayors will tell you what a wonderful privilege and experience it was to have been able to meet many people from all walks of life in there.

Another much-loved venue has had to be relocated due to the Town Hall renovation, this is the Registrar Office.

This also is now in Number One Riverside in an ultra-modern setting.

It is very impressive with more room for weddings and much better facilities.

This is where Mayor will conduct Citizenship Ceremonies alongside appointed Deputy Lieutenants, the Mayor representing the Government and the Deputy Lieutenant, the Queen.

There are so many changes happening at once in Number One Riverside.

Dippy the Diplodocus is sadly on her way, and the NHS have taken over the ground floor for vaccinations against Covid.

It certainly is proving to be a versatile building.

This time last year the Mayors appointments eased off after a busy

Christmas and New Year.

This year is very much the same, but the easing off began in March!

A major causality has been support for the Mayor Charity.

Along with many other charities, donations have almost dried up.

With it not being possible to organise any events that people get together, we have been trying new methods to raise funding for many of our local charities.

Currently we have a prize quiz circulating; it’s only £1 for the booklet and the quiz is also online. It’s a cheap and cheerful way to involve your general knowledge during the lockdown with big cash prizes.

This is the link just give it a try you will enjoy it: www.peoplesfundraising. com/event/mayorscharity-quiz

I have a feeling that you are curious to what presents the Mayoress and I gave each other for Christmas.

Lynn got a lovely granite mortar and pestle set and I’ve got a new tool box.

You can’t get less romantic than that.

In the past I have given her an ironing board, a Dyson, and a pair of weighing scales.

I must be honest I have had a few very quiet Boxing days.

I’m also fed up of curried Turkey!