Taking a peek into the Mayor’s parlour

Following an invitation from the Mayor of Stafford Borough Council, Phillip Leason, MBE, JP, Stone and District Rotary Club along with members of Stone Inner Wheel Club went along for a very interesting evening at the Mayor’s parlour at the Civic Centre in Stafford.

Greeted by the Mayor’s Sergeant, the group saw the amazing collection of silver and gold that is on display before listening to a brief and fascinating history of the Borough given by the Mayor’s Sergeant; ably supported by the Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

Various items of regalia were shown and some, like the small silver maces, were even handed round the group to be looked at close up.

The silver gilt Great Mace commissioned in 1614 by the first Mayor, Matthew Craddock, was shown and demonstrated along with the original Stafford Charter signed by King John in 1206. Some members were even able to hold the Mace and whilst it balances perfectly on the shoulder, it is apparently very, very heavy. Following a lovely buffet, members chatted, asked lots of questions and were then given a guided tour of the Borough’s outstanding silver and gold collection before heading for home. Stone and District Rotary Club President, Sandie McQueen thanked the Mayor and Mayoress for their great hospitality. She said: “The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was amazing to see the priceless regalia close up and to hold the Great Mace was an incredible opportunity. Many members were not fully aware of the great history of the Borough so the talk was really informative and very much appreciated.”