Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Friday, 30 June 2006

After two hectic meetings, we went up to Durham for the "Congregation Ceremony", which means degree-day. I donned the Mayoral robe and put on the Stockton chain for the formal photos in the Chapter House.

Left to right, they are, back row, Mayor and consort of Stockton and Mayor and Mayoress of Durham, front row Sir Kenneth Calman, Vice Chancellor; Dr Luke Rittner, honorary graduand; Dr Bill Bryson, Chancellor.

I was then given an academic cap to wear on formal occasions with the robe - a grand affair with a gold tassel! What a nice present.

We processed formally into Durham Cathedral, along the academics, and had a superb front seat next to Luke Rittner. The degrees were given personally by Bill Bryson, with a handshake for each person - he will have given 3,000 handshakes over the week!

Then the giving of an honorary degree to Luke Rittner who is the Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance and a well known Arts administrator.

Bill Bryson gave an excellent and entertaining speech. He said he would refrain from telling us "Bushisms", although he did say "thank you for letting me live in your country" and couldn't resist telling a few. He told us that there were three things we had to do:

"Live your dreams; be happy; shoot anyone who drops litter"

Afterwards a splendid lunch and a chance to meet and have a chat with both Luke Rittner and Bill Bryson. Bill said he would like to come to Stockton and see more than just the University, so we hope to be able to arrange that.

Then we went to the Healthy Schools Awards. We Iooked round the stalls promoting healthy living in a fun way and I was relieved to see that Stockton are promoting not dropping litter with Freda the Frog rather than Bill Bryson's words!

There were lots of prizes to award to proud children on behalf of their schools - 31 schools in all - not as many handshakes as Bill Bryson, but a great achievement. If they all follow up and live the messages and teaching we really should be a healthier Stockton in the future.

Then back through Stockton to have a look at the best place for us to gather for the two minutes silence on Friday at 12 noon, and talk to some of the stallholders. The area to the north (Parish Church side) looks to be best.