YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a unique tradition as Harwich’s mayor took on a second term in office.
Last year’s deputy mayor Charlie Powell was expected to take on the role of mayor this year, but withdrew due to health reasons after being diagnosed with sciatica.
Harwich Town Council said it was disappointed but Mr Powell’s dedication and commitment is such that he is not prepared to take on the role without being confident that he can perform it to the highest standards.
Mayor Ivan Henderson will instead remain in post for another year after being re-elected at a meeting of the town council.
Catch it - school children turned out to catch a kitchel
The council agreed due to the unusual circumstances, the church service, usually an integral part of Harwich’s mayor-making, would not take place.
However, the traditional kitchel-throwing went ahead as usual yesterday despite the slimmed-down mayor-making ceremony.
Robes - Mayoress Jo Hendeson, mayor Ivan Henderson and deputy mayor Maria Fowler
The unique 400-year-old tradition saw sweet buns – known as kitchels – thrown from a window of the historic Guildhall to waiting schoolchildren.
Mr Henderson said: “I’m honoured that the members of the council had confidence in me to represent the town council as mayor for another year.
Great throw - Harwich mayor Ivan Henderson throwing a kitchel
“It’s especially pleasing as this week the Mayor’s Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund reached £50,000.
“The fund, which is administrated by the Essex Community Foundation, will help organisations providing support for families and young people in Harwich for years to come.
“We will now be able to build on that fund over the next year.”
Dave Mcleod, who has served on Harwich Town Council for 29 years and who has served as mayor on five occasions, added: “It is an incredible honour to be mayor of Harwich but it is also a big commitment.
“You need your year as deputy mayor to prepare for it and by the end you are certainly ready for a rest.
Deputy mayor - Maria Fowler
“We all breathed a sigh of relief when Ivan and Jo offered to carry on as it is asking a great deal of them.
“Everyone is so sad for Charlie but he knows better than most what is required.”
Dovercourt All Saints ward councillor Maria Fowler was appointed as the town council’s deputy mayor.
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