I began Saturday morning with the formal parade from the Town Hall Wakefield Council to the Wakefield Cathedral for the Civic Service and the welcoming in of the new Mayor. The event is one of the most important occasions in the city’s civic calendar and even the rain couldn’t put a dampener on the atmosphere in the city centre as the Wakefield District Brass Band lead to procession through the streets.
Following the service I attended the D-Day Memorial Service at the war memorial in Coronation Gardens, and on the 75th anniversary of that crucial turning point in the second World War it was a poignant reminder of the enormous sacrifices taken by so many in Wakefield and beyond to guarantee the freedoms we enjoy today. It was truly humbling to pay my respects as the last post was played and to witness the gratitude of so many others for the bravery and sacrifice of the men commemorated by the memorial.
Later in the day, I was back in the ward attending the Newmillerdam duck races and it was fantastic to see so many families out braving the weather for this very special community event. With more than just the ducks getting drenched this year, I was glad that many of our great community organisations Newmillerdam Community and Conservation Association – NCCA were out in force giving a real flavour of everything our area has to offer, and I certainly made a beeline towards the Beekeepers’ Association stall to bring home a few jars of local honey! I also made sure to pay a visit to the home-made baking stall for some incredible carrot cake which was very much enjoyed by all the staff back at my Oneworld Travel shop later that afternoon.
Before the day was out, I attended the Middlestown gala which was still very much in swing with Sheila’s hoopers entertaining the crowd with their high-energy routine. As well as catching up with some old friends in the clubhouse, it was great to speak to everyone from Wakefield Riding for the Disabled Association and to win a couple of prizes in their raffle. The work they do to provide opportunities for people in our community living with disabilities is highly commendable and I wish them so much good luck with all their projects! And of course the day wouldn’t have been complete without a freshly grilled burger from Yorkshire Legends! As if the food wasn’t good enough, their smiles were more than enough to brighten a grey day!