Town Sunday Civic Service

Town Sunday is a tradition where the Mayor formally accepts the office of Mayor and promises to work for the people of Folkestone. Gathering around the cross in the grounds of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church is the beginning of the formalities. In times past, this was the moment that the new Mayor was chosen and if he refused to accept the honour, his house would be burned down. I willingly agreed to be Mayor!

It continues to feel extremely strange to be seated in a special seat in the church, with the mace placed in front of me and very odd to be standing at the lectern to read the first lesson. My Chaplain, Sarah Fitzgerald, spoke with passion about the need for us all to work together and use our individual gifts to serve the people of Folkestone to the best of our ability. We all agreed with that and contemplated the task ahead.

As always, the buffet following was of a high standard, especially when produced by the people of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church, as it is their gift and use of their talents to serve the Town Council.