Deal Civic Service

I am delighted to see that my 100th event is one that has dignity and style. The Mayor of Deal welcomed us into his 'home church' and we robed in the adjoining hall. The response to the invitations was high, and we all squashed into a small room to prepare ourselves and be dressed by Town Sergeants.

The service in the Catholic Church had a personal touch as the Mayor of Deal regularly worships there and plays the organ. It is rare that the Mayor gives a homile but his words were heartfelt. The Bishop of Southwark gave an address that captured the interest of the congregation and related directly to every day life.

The procession through the town with all the other dignitaries can be rather embarrassing, but the people of Deal came out to greet us, which made it less confronting. As always, we were treated to a filling buffet and departed having been fed, watered and encouraged.