Many prominent representatives from the Cinque Ports were in Rye on May Day Bank Holiday Monday for the inauguration of the new Mayor of Rye.
Councillor Bernadine Fiddimore was sworn in as Mayor at the Town Hall with an age old ceremony that includes, election of a Deputy Mayor, passing of the pennies, declarations, loyal toast to HM The Queen, and the throwing of hot coins to children waiting in the street below the council chamber.
The new Mayor of Rye made a memorable speech, described by many as the best first address by a new Mayor since the days before 1973 when Rye was still a Borough and master of it’s own affairs. Councillor Fiddimore hinted that, during her time in office, there will be changes that restore some of the lost control to Rye Town Hall. The new Deputy Mayor is Jonathon Breeds.
Jonathon was educated locally at Thomas Peacocke School he then went on to study Music and Performance Arts at university. Elected to the Council in a by-election in 1997-98 while working at Thomas Peacocke Community College, he has sat variously on Rye Town Council’s Planning, Safety Advisory, Rye Relief in Need and Tourism Committees.
After the Mayor Making Ceremony a service was held at St Mary’s Church, followed by the Mayor’s Luncheon at the Riverhaven Hotel.
Rye’s Own June 2014
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