Formal handover of Sutton Coldfield Civic Regalia
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Raymond Hassall, will formally present the Sutton Coldfield Civic Regalia to the chairman of the Interim Parish Council, Cllr Anne Underwood, during a Civic Reception at the Council House tomorrow (Tuesday 1 March) lunchtime.
The formal handover was authorised earlier this year in order to acknowledge the establishment of the Parish of Sutton Coldfield and the Interim Parish Council.
The Sutton Coldfield mayoral chains, mayoral robes and mace were maintained by Birmingham’s museums service after the former borough of Sutton Coldfield transferred to Birmingham City Council in 1974. Given the local historic significance of the regalia and the fact that the Sutton Coldfield Parish Council will be the most local tier of government, the council’s business management committee agreed that the regalia should be released to the Parish Council.
Lord Mayor Cllr Raymond Hassall said: “Today is a significant landmark for Sutton Coldfield and it gives me great pleasure to formally present the Sutton Coldfield Civic Regalia to Cllr Anne Underwood. This regalia symbolises continuity, local identity and civic pride. It is therefore fitting that today we give them to you as you take another step towards establishing your Parish Council.”
Chairman of the Interim Parish Council Cllr Anne Underwood added: “Last summer we concluded our consultation with a ballot which showed there was resounding support for a Town Council in Sutton Coldfield. Our residents have always shown an active interest in the governance of the Royal Town, and today is another milestone in that journey.”
Speakers at the Civic Reception include - Cllr Raymond Hassall - the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr John Clancy - Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Anne Underwood - Chairman of the Interim Parish Council and Ken Rushton - Vice Chairman of the Interim Parish Council. There will also be a presentation from students at three of Sutton Coldfield’s schools – The Arthur Terry School, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
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