The Mace-Bearer Magazine - Guild of Mace-Bearers

A MAYORS MUSING
I have the privilege of being elected by the city councillors of Southampton to the position of Mayor. I am the 790 th
Mayor in the history of our city.
I am very proud of all our ceremonial offices and procedures, from the
wearing of the robes to chairing the council meetings. One of the most
important parts of our city heritage and history are the Town Sergeants
and sitting right alongside this are the Mace-Bearers.
The Mace-Bearers perform a vital part of this city’s functions. They lend
a great deal of gravitas to all the varied functions that we attend.
Wherever we go they perform sterling work. Everyone we meet is not
only impressed with them but, when the role is fully explained, say how
much they think it adds to our city.
It is not only the ceremonial role but the message it sends when the
Mayor and Mace-bearer attend. That both roles are linked together
both convey the importance of the office.
I believe that our city is better for having this important office. It sends a
clear message that we value our traditions and our history as well as the
people that carry out the duties. We can have all the ceremony and
traditions we want but without the dedication and expertise of our
Mace-bearers and Town Sergeants the whole edifice would not work
and we would be the poorer for that.
In my discussions with Mayors and Chairs, across not only Hampshire but nationally, they all agree that one of the
most important elements of the job is the Mace and Mace-Bearers.
I believe it is of vital importance that the things that make this such a great place to live and work are valued and
retained, indeed re-introduced where they have been lost.
IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY BEING A MAYOR
Two boys on
crutches could
kick the ball but
Mayor couldn’t
Cllr Derek Burke, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton
Many may feel that the Mayor has it easy compared to the Mace-Bearer. However, if
we make a mistake few people would notice (we hope!) and it would certainly not
make the pages of the local or national newspapers.
The editor came across an article in the Sun newspaper (16 March 2012). Aislinn Lee,
Mayor of St Albans in Hertfordshire was taking part in a world record bid by students
at St Columbus College. As the Mayor came to take the 650 th kick she ‘scuffed’ her kick
and the ball failed to travel the necessary 11 metres.
The poor Mayor was embarrassed and subject to on-line mockery by students.
Fortunately, to the relief of the Mayor, the previous record of 579 passes had been
beaten.
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