On Friday 19 May 2023, the 'Mayor Making' Ceremony was held in the Corn Exchange, Blandford. Joyce Wild was invited to attend but, as she was running Lunch Club that day, followed by 'Fellowship Hour', she was sorry to have to decline the invitation and asked Rona Downes to attend in her place.
The Ceremony started at 10.30 and was well attended. The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Colin Stevens, welcomed everyone and then the Mayor's Chaplain, the Rev Chris Beaumont, led us in prayer. This was followed by the Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation, by the outgoing mayor, to individuals who had been nominated in recognition of services to the community. Suddenly, after a few presentations, Rona was surprised to hear Joyce's name mentioned along with Blandford Methodist Church Lunch Club. In Joyce's absence, Rona was honoured to receive an award on her behalf. After shaking hands and thanking the mayor, photographs were taken.
The Mayor Making Ceremony followed when the new mayor, Cllr Hugo Melville and deputy mayor Nocturin (Noc) Lacey-Clarke were appointed and received their chains of office. Refreshments then followed in The Shambles, whilst the hall was being set up for a Light Lunch. As it was such a beautiful day a lot of people made their way out into the Market Place to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Shortly afterwards, people were invited back into the Corn Exchange for lunch, where they enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch and chat.
After about half an hour, people started to leave and Rona made her way to the Church Hall to surprise Joyce and the Lunch Club members, with news of the award. Everyone was delighted with the news and the framed Certificate was displayed for all to see. This was a wonderful experience for Rona. All Lunch Club members including our great cook Nadia and the Community Payback workers, were honoured to have received this award. However, recognition and congratulations must go to Joyce, for all her hours of hard work she puts into special occasions at Lunch Club, Holiday at Home and our Outings.
