9 June - Mayor on display in public for first time - and a new bust of the Queen gets a look in
There
were very few people standing outside Christ Church waiting for the great, the
good and the downright disreputable to emerge and there was not a single Union
Jack or rotten tomato to be seen. By the Clocktower things were very different,
still nothing red or white or blue in evidence, apart from the big flag draped
across the Clocktower, but there was a much bigger turn out than
last year
and every space was occupied by those anxious to find a view not obscured by a policeman.
Few will have succeeded but it was nevertheless a thoroughly good show so far as one could judge from the back of the crowd
and a sound system not good enough for the non-military voices.
For
the precision arrangements Bexley council should presumably thank their organiser Dave Easton,
Bexley council’s Head of Member Services, who was frequently seen directing
proceedings with waving arms and walkie-talkie.
Mayor Sharon Massey looked alternately apprehensive and serious but nevertheless
made a fine sight in all her robes and regalia.
I attended not just because she looked cute or because the parade is an important civic event,
especially this year, but for the opportunity to restock on photos of councillors. Since they are so
keen not to be photographed at other times it seems only just that they should get
the attention of a moderately long lens (135mm for the technically inclined) while on their best behaviour at events such as this.
It should be said that several of them take this in good part, including some whose names might
surprise you - and quite a lot don’t.
After marching from Christchurch to the Clocktower and some commendably short speeches Major David Hewer pulled the string. Everything
worked perfectly after which the assembled throng was encouraged to sing the National Anthem.
Few could be heard despite Bexley council having gone to the trouble of printing and
distributing the words, second verse and all!
Deputy Mayor
Geraldene Lucia-Hennis was happy to mingle with the crowds after formalities ended looking
rather more relaxed than Mayor Sharon who rapidly disappeared into her limo. But then she
didn’t have the weight of responsibility on her shoulders and has a pub to go back to.