johnfletcher

Less than 5 weeks to go to the Annual Council Meeting, so life is becoming busier with preparations.  Although there is no certainty until the new Mayor is elected at that meeting, the convention is that the present Deputy Mayor becomes the next Mayor; meanwhile s/he plans on that basis.

A few days ago I made a decision on the menu for the lunch after the Annual Meeting – don’t think that mine is a ceremonial position with no power!  More seriously, I’m now being approached by charities which I might designate as the Mayor’s charities for the coming municipal year.  I won’t mention them just yet, but those which I don’t choose could still benefit from a mayoral visit to lend them the status of the office, cheer on the troops and cheer up the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, two functions as Deputy Mayor.

The first was a visit to Cleveland Police HQ for the launch of their volunteer scheme.  It started late because the Chief Constable was delayed in finishing off a radio debate – he didn’t want listeners to think that the Police were ducking out of the issues.  While we were waiting and after the speeches there were useful networking opportunities.  I had my photo taken in front of a “wanted” poster – I look as if I’m about to be shot by the sheriff (actually, he wasn’t there)!  The Police are seeking volunteers to man counters of local police stations to keep them open while constables and police community support officers are out on the streets.  Non-police people to whom I spoke afterwards seemed unclear how volunteers would be used otherwise.

After a drive through Middlesbrough, Suzanne and I arrived at the Transporter Bridge for a photo opportunity with a converted ‘bus touring Britain to publicise Fair Trade Fortnight.  Fair Trade is a cause dear to my heart.  It was very windy – the Transporter was “closed due [sic] to high winds”, but in any event the ‘bus was too high to go on the gondola.  Although advertised as a Middlesbrough event, this was a combined Stockton & Middlesbrough welcome.  Suzanne and I joined the Chairman of Middlesbrough Borough Council (Councillor Stephen Bloundele) in the cold wind for photos of the Bridge and the ‘bus at all angles, including some with my fellow ward Councillor Maureen Rigg, who has done so much to promote Fair trade in Stockton.  Several photographers on behalf of the Fair Trade movement, but no sign of the Press.  Needless to say, shortly after we had finished and left, the Evening Gazette photographer turned up, while the Chairman of Middlesbrough was still there – I hope that it does not result in a story which excludes Stockton!

That afternoon, I went to see the Rev. Dr David Whiting, Community Chaplain, Stockton, with the Tees Valley Ministry, to discuss what we could do in my mayoral year.