Tom in Salisbury, England

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Tom is participating in the Mayor Making of Mayor Elect Penny Brown in Salisbury, England, UK.

At 0715, it’s 50. I had another nice breakfast in the hotel dining room and walked up to the Guildhall at 0930. After all the councilors and guests had assembled, Reg, again in his wig gave us the programme (note the British spelling) to be followed. We processed back to St. Thomas church and waited until we were announced and then all filed in. What followed was a Sunday church service of the type where a lot of what was to be said and the proper responses from the congregation were in a guide or script. We then processed back to the Guildhall. There, we were met with a glass of Pimms. There were over 80 for lunch and we were seated by table numbers to induce a good mix. I sat with the out-going mayor, his sister, two delightful couples and Annie Child, the Deputy Clerk. Lunch was leg of lamb, potatoes and veggies, followed by a summer fruit meringue with Chantilly Cream. That was followed by a cheese course and a nice cup of tea. The programme was concluded with gifts from Penny and the city. I noted I could speak for 20 minutes if I said all I wanted to say, but in the words of a retiring admiral I said I had “decided to be sincere, be brief, and be seated.” That produced a roar of laughter, numerous congratulations afterward, and the conclusion of the official schedule for the visit. At 1900, I walked the 5 blocks to the Pheasant, on Salt Street. Soon after my arrival, I was joined by Reg and the German Delegation. I had a pair of halves of two local ales and chicken pate. By 2130, I had returned to the hotel. It was just getting dark.

Breakfast Dining Room

Church Service

John Collier & Sister Lamb Summer Fruit Cheese Gift Presentation

Friends at The Pheasant Pate