Post by Les on Jan 10, 2018 13:39:43 GMT
Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Les. It's funny you should show a picture of River Festival in 1983. That was the year my Dad Mac was Mayor of Maidstone (1983/4) and he told me that was his favourite "Duty". Him and Mum Kath (Known as Mrs Mac) had a very busy time and thoroughly loved every minute of their tenure. I was the only one of his 3 sons able to make The Mayors Banquet held at the Royal Star. It was a very proud moment for ALL our family. My father himself was a brilliant speaker and did many a Roundtable function as the "Guest" speaker and as he was Chairman of the Master Bakers (least I think that's what they said!!) South Eastern Region he did a lot of them too. Leading the responses were a very humorous Vicar of Maidstone (Michael something!!) and the High Sheriff of Kent: One L.K.O'brien The Governor of The Bank Of England (Or chief cashier as the post was then known). As these two finished my Dad lent forward and whispered something to the Master of Ceremonies who promptly walked over with a hand held Mike!! and said I wished to say a few words. For a whole second or two I was stunned into silence at this unexpected and most certainly NOT planned event was thrust upon me. I know Jim Yarwood and Mr Capon may not believe I was silent!! albeit for a couple of seconds, but I was but I soon recovered. Unexpectedly it gave me the chance to thank both Him and Mum in Public for giving me a home and two brothers and a name. Can't repeat what I called Dad when off mike here except to say it was short and colourful. Les I have sent via email a picture of me and Dad and Mum and one of my wives!! Margaret.