Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Saturday, 31 March 2007

We were greatly honoured to be asked (as people) to the wedding of Apollo to Laura. I have met Apollo lots of times whilst being Mayor. I presided over his Citizenship ceremony last year. I remember it well. After the ceremony Kevin was telling the new citizens about some of our heritage and explained about the Mayoral chains, how valuable they were, and it was his job to protect them, jokingly adding that he needed to protect the valuable and unique chains, but Mayors were replaceable! If I fell in the river I should hold onto the chains, and that way I would get rescued. New citizen Apollo stood up and declared that the Mayor should be saved - she was a very nice lady!

Apollo, a former professional footballer, also organised the John Owen Trophy that took place last year, and we are planning again for this year.

What a beautiful service, thank goodness the Mayor's Consort had a large clean handkerchief though. The bride looked so beautiful; the singer's voice soared to the rafters with the hymn she sang; the Church was filled with people from many different nationalities singing "Amazing Grace" together, the bride and groom looked so happy.

We had to leave the reception to get ready for the evening concert - 5 minutes for that! The Cleveland Philharmonic Choir (http://www.acln56.ukgateway.net/cpc.htm) were singing Missa Solemnis, conducted by John Forsyth. It was just beautiful, massive, and the music filled the air, and permeated our very being.

There is a website I have just found that gives details of forthcoming concerts by a range of choirs and orchestras in the Tees Valley at http://www.acln56.ukgateway.net/concerts.htm Have a look, there are many treats in store.