A special thank you to the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Eric Firth and the Civic Attendant Mr Stephen Booth who visited our Year 8 pupils today to discuss democracy, which is an area of study in history and citizenship in Key Stage 3. (Click on any of the photos to see them full size)
The pupils gathered in the large hall and the Mayor held a question and answer session focussing on his roles and responsibilities within the council. Part of this involved dressing up one of our pupils as a Mayor as Mr Booth described the attire.
…the robes are red because when the Mayor used to collect the taxes, this was a dangerous job. The bodyguards could easily spot him with the bright colours. He used to carry protection in the form of a mace, in case he was kidnapped and held to ransom. The bodyguards also carried wooden maces. The fur kept him warm but also showed how rich the Mayor was. The frilly collar or “jabot” was handy to keep the Mayor’s shirt clean, like a bib and frilly sleeves could be used like tissues! The hat is shaped thus, so the rain falls off easily. The Mayoress wears a three pointed hat.
The Mayor of Kirkburton Middle School looked so regal with the chain of office around his shoulders. The gilded mace had to be handled by Mr Booth who wore clean white gloves so the natural oils from hands didn’t damage the gold. He explained that the Mayor has four different maces to choose from because of the four Councils of Kirklees (Cleckheaton, Dewsbury, Huddersfield and Bately). Mr Booth told me that he became Civic Attendant in September so this was all new to him too and he was really enjoying the position and meeting new people.
After all the pupils had a chance to ask their questions, the Mayor spent time with our School Council members who asked further questions. Joshua D-B spoke to me following this meeting…
… I wanted to know more about the chain around his neck and found out it was called the chain of office or Livery Collar. My first impression of the Mayor was very positive. He was nice. I thought he may be posh and strict but he was down to earth and relaxed. He likes to laugh. The best part of his job is going around different places, meeting different people. He really enjoyed being invited to the Queen’s Garden Party. He is invited to schools and Galas. We asked what he dislikes and he said he won’t like giving up being the Mayor. He has been a Councillor for 18 years and was elected to become Mayor but when he gives up his office he will continue being a councillor. He has no spare time as his engagements and meetings are in and out of office hours but he is really enjoying it…
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