Yahoo News History, robes and public service - Mayor of North East Lincolnshire reveals all
Mayors are part of local life, but how many of us really understand what the office means? From the community work he carries out to the ceremonial dress he wears, The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Steve Beasant. has given an insight into a day in his shoes.
Whilst many see the duties of a mayor as visiting people wearing red robes and a set of chains, that isn’t the case. There is far more to the life of the mayor than meets the eye, and from visiting schools to hosting charity events, no two days are ever the same.
For us to understand the office of Mayor, it is necessary for us to understand how the office developed and the traditions it has bequeathed. The Mayoralty is one of the most ancient offices in British history but has truly changed its role, importance and public perception throughout the centuries.
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However, as the list of Mayors often displayed in Town Halls throughout the UK shows, the office of Mayor today connects the present-day council to its mediaeval or earlier predecessors. The words “Mayor” and “Major” derive from the same Latin word “Magnus”, meaning great.
The office of Mayor, together with the Doomsday Book and the feudal system was brought to this country by the Normans, as such an office has existed on the continent at least since the 5th century. The Mayor will act as a link between the authority and various bodies, organisations etc and when visited the Mayor will feedback concerns of the people into the political field.
Similarly, the Mayor can also take the Council’s message and themes out into the community and work towards achieving the Council’s social, community, educational and economic aims”
Now in his second term, one of his fondest memories came during his first tenure as Mayor. “My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and seeing the gardens there was such an incredible experience,” said Mr. Mayor.
He added: “We don’t always stay in the borough, but most of what I and other mayors do is in North East Lincolnshire. Personally, I love the area. Having lived in Grimsby all my life, being mayor comes as a great honour to me.”
Whilst Mr Mayor enjoys all aspects of the role, some of his favourite events involve meeting the younger generation when he travels to schools and other establishments.
“Children are our future so when I get an opportunity to work with them or talk to them, I really enjoy it.” However, children don’t always make life easy for Mr. Mayor.
“I have to say, they do ask some really difficult questions at times and they’re not afraid to ask them either! I often get asked how old I am or what I can actually do as mayor. They always seem to think I’m special when I turn up, but really it’s them who are the special ones.”
Amongst visits, the mayor also hosts services, such as the recent D-Day memorial service at St. Mary’s Church in Grimsby to commemorate the 80th anniversary. In addition, people can request he attend certain events.
Some engagements are not something you see every day though. “I remember during my first time as mayor, I was asked to attend two lady’s birthdays. The pair of them were 102 and 103 on the same day.
“It was great to be a part of that and it’s something I always remember when I think about what I’ve done as mayor.”
He added: “Another fond memory for me is Armed Forces Weekend. I never fail to enjoy this event, it’s so well organised and the team deserve a great deal of credit for what they achieve.”
There are also some parts of the job that people are not aware of though. Throughout their term, mayors can choose to support charities which they raise funds for.
This time, Mr Mayor is raising money for YMCA Humber; Friendship At Home; Jax’s Stoma Fundraising and Nurtrio.
“All these charities mean a lot to me,” said Mr. Mayor. “To help raise funds for them, I will be carrying out a 24-hour walk next month where I’m hoping to raise thousands. The charity side is not something everyone thinks of when you talk about being a mayor, but for me it’s one of the most important.”
Having already been Mayor, Cllr Beasant is in a very unique position. Reflecting upon his previous year in the post, he’s determined to do more in his second term.
“I want to make a real difference to Corporate Parenting this time. I want to help as many children who are fostered or in care as possible.”
He added: “This is something that is very close to my heart. My mother, who sadly passed away in 2021, didn’t know who her birth mum was and I appreciate this may be the same for a lot of children in care across North East Lincolnshire.
“I want to visit as many of those people as I can and just talk to them. Children go through so much and people do so much to help them. I would like to do all I can to improve their situation this year.”
Clearly, being Mayor isn’t just about showing your face at certain events or wearing ceremonial robes. There is much more to it, ensuring they always strive to improve the lives of residents in the borough.
