Tauntonian Visit to the Mayor's Parlour

The Mayor with some students dressed in his robes!

Following an invitation he issued at the Reunion Dinner in November 2006, the Mayor of Southampton, The Right Worshipful Councillor John Slade entertained a party of Old Tauntonians and Taunton's College staff and students to a visit at the Civic Centre on 12 February 2007.

Glenda Gardiner, Assistant Principal of the College, led the College party of twenty students, while the OT group included Ted Colenutt (former Second Master of the old School), David Bryett, David Defty, Mike Gould, Jeff White and John Bathurst.

John Slade is an Old Tauntonian and the 784th Mayor of the City. He gave a superb one-man show, including a tour of the Meeting Room, his Office, the Gallery and the Council Chamber.

We were shown the City Regalia, many beautiful gifts received from all over the world, and his flag as Admiral of the Port of Southampton.

In the Council Chamber, John explained the protocol of meetings and the difficulties of conducting Local Government with almost equal numbers of opposing parties.

John's easy, friendly delivery and his completely natural manner very quickly endeared him to his visitors and, after the expected initial "shyness", he was kept busy throughout with questions and comments.

This was a thoroughly absorbing visit and we are grateful to John for both his idea and the thought he put into making it such a success.

Note: John Slade completed his year as Mayor of Southampton in May 2007. Stephen Barnes-Andrews, another OT, became the 785th Mayor of the City after his term as Sheriff.