Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Sunday, 19 December 2010

Marjorie and I arose to Billingham being covered in about 5 inches of fresh snow.  We were rather dubious that Kevin, the Mayor's Attendant, would be able to get to Billingham if the snow was bad in Seaham.  He turned up on time and said there was hardly any snow in Seaham and was very surprised at the amount of snow in Billingham.  As we were driven to Ropner Park the thickness of snow got less, but Ropner Park looked lovely with the snow.  We were welcomed by Brian Scrafton, one of the Friends of Ropner Park, who we have known for several years.  We had a look around the stalls before being offered a hot cup of coffee, which we enjoyed.  There were a group of musicians playing Christmas Carols before Santa Claus arrived, much to the delight of the children.  Later the Church Choir from St. Peter's sang some carols.  Our daughter Helen and grand-daughter, Grace, arrived so it was hugs all round, before Grace used my money on the stalls.

It was soon time to leave and said our goodbyes to everyone for a snowy drive home.

Mayor of Sunderland's Christmas Carol Service

This was a non-event as Kevin drove Marjorie and I towards Sunderland we ran into a blizzard and decided that it would be better to return home, rather than get trapped by the snow.  When we arrived back in Billingham we had left the snow behind, but we were relieved to have got back home.

As this was our last day of mayoral duties before Christmas, Marjorie and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.