| Three cheers for the mayor of Copthorne |
|
|
|
| Written by Alastair Cutting | |
|
You would think a vibrant, enthusiastic and integrated community like Copthorne would have a mayor, wouldn’t you? Well perhaps it’s time it did. But hang on, there are mayors, and there are mayors! There’s the sort of ceremonial ‘Lord Mayor of London’ with procession and banquet style. Perhaps that’s a bit ostentatious. Not really Copthorne, is it? Some one elected by the people would be good - but perhaps not quite like London’s Ken! And wouldn’t it be good if Copthorne was the sort of place where anyone who chose to, could perhaps become mayor? In times of yore (ok, 1966) our not so distant neighbours at Cuckfield declared a sort of ‘U.D.I.’ (you might need to look that up…) after political impositions from nearby conurbations, decided to elect its own independent, ceremonial-for-fun-type mayor. Where with other elections there is a danger of political sleaze, and the suspicion of money changing hands, Cuckfield deals with this head on. Votes are blatantly bought. Quite openly. For money (votes cost a penny). Lots of people stand. Lots of people vote. Lots of times (this year’s mayor got 900,000 votes from a population of 3,500!). You’ve guessed it - all for local charities. In Cuckfield, the mayor has several ‘important roles’. These include, the wearing of a ‘splendid’ mayoral robe and bearing the papier maché mace during the mayoral election and procession; judging the children’s Easter bonnet parade; blowing the starting whistle for the Boxing day football match; and hosting numerous sponsored events. What might a potential Copthorne Mayor have to include amongst formal duties? Perhaps opening the Carnival? Lighting the first rocket on bonfire night, or switching on Christmas street lights? Hosting an annual stoolball, marbles or golf match? Inaugurating a Copthorne-to-Coast ride/run? Sing to the accompaniment of the Copthorne Silver Band at the Copthorne Gangshow? The potential is endless! Not all functions need be frivolous either, as there could be a more formal ambassadorial role representing the village locally or even abroad; or doing a reading at midnight Mass; or an involvement on Remembrance Sunday; or… What do you think of having a Mayor of Copthorne? Comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by post/hand to the Parish Office at the Vicarage. Alastair Cutting |
| Next > |
|---|