Inauguration

It was not the most auspicious of starts. I have an ear infection and as a result had hardly slept for the last three nights. It is just as well that I did not have to drive to the Guildhall. I was still in pain and discomfort during the ceremony despite the medication I have been prescribed for the condition. And I have gone deaf in my right ear.

Given my state of tiredness I was also grateful that my role in today's ceremony was as a bit-player. It is next year that I will have to give speeches and play host to the assembled throng. Today was David Phillip's day as Lord Mayor, I was installed as his deputy.

As you can see the robes are fairly traditional. There are in fact two sets of robes for the Deputy Lord Mayor. The older set are lined with ermine. The ones I will be using are lined with artificial fur. The bauble around my neck is the Gower chain, one of seventeen held by the various successor councils in the former West Glamorgan area.

We had a rehearsal last night. All the speeches are reserved for and by the incoming Lord Mayor and outgoing Lord Mayor. I just have to be formally proposed and seconded. After that I left the Council chamber to be robed and then took the oath of office. The robes are quite warm and nobody had warned me that I would have to wear them throughout the reception afterwards.

Nevertheless I enjoyed the day and was pleased that I was able to share the day with some of my friends and neighbours, all of whom seemed to enjoy it.

My first engagement as Deputy Lord Mayor is on Wednesday in Gowerton School. The Lord Mayor starts official life on Monday when he will be receiving a party of Norwegian Druids. Who said the job isn't varied?