by Sam Hawcroft
Hedon’s 679th Mayor, Cllr Suzie Wright, welcomed civic leaders and community representatives from across the region as the town held its annual Mayor’s Civic Service on Sunday.
The traditional event saw the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force lead the parade around the town from Market Place to St Augustine’s Church, where a service was conducted by Rev Dr Sue Pulko.
Among the guests were Deputy Lieutenant Caroline Heaton, representing the Lord-Lieutenant, alongside mayors and civic representatives from across the East Riding including Hornsea mayor Cllr Stephen Prescott and Withernsea mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson, as well as representatives from Hessle, Bridlington and Driffield.
Members of Hedon WI, the Royal British Legion and other local organisations were also among those attending.
A special moment came during the reception afterwards when cadet Sgt Major Annabel McCloud was presented with a plaque by the mayor in recognition of her service as she prepares to leave the cadets on turning 18.
Annabel, who has been a cadet for nearly five years and has taken part in numerous civic parades in Hedon, said the presentation had come as a complete surprise.
She said: “I didn’t expect anything like this! I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve made lots of friends. I’ve also learned new things as well, which I never thought I would have.”
One of her highlights was travelling to London, where the cadets performed for the Chelsea Pensioners.
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SSgt Andy Faulkner said there had been a strong turnout for this year’s parade, with several cadets taking part for the first time.
He said: “There were so many new cadets on parade as well – for a lot of them it was their first time. It was a really good turnout.”
Cllr Wright said she had been delighted to see both invited guests and members of the public supporting the occasion.
She said: “It’s been lovely to have everybody here and see people from the community watching as well. It’s just wonderful.
“The cadets are absolutely amazing. They do us proud every time.”
The mayor also used the reception to highlight her chosen charity for the year, HEY Kids Type 1 Family Support Group, which supports children with Type 1 diabetes and their families across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Cllr Wright said the group had helped her own family for 13 years after her youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three.
She said: “They’ve supported us through it all, including mental health crises. It really is a fantastic charity and it’s local.”
Cllr Richardson said Hedon’s historic civic traditions had made the occasion particularly special, but added that events such as the service were also helping forge closer relationships between communities across the East Riding.
She said: “It’s fascinating to be able to immerse yourself in the traditions of the town, with the cadets, the inspection and the band. But one of the things I really enjoy about occasions like this is the opportunity to connect with the other towns.
“Since we all began our civic years, Withernsea, Hornsea, Hedon, Hull and Driffield have built really close relationships. We all want the same thing for our communities, so it makes sense that we work together and support one another.”
Cllr Prescott agreed, saying the civic calendar gave mayors the chance not only to support neighbouring towns but to exchange ideas and build relationships.
He said: “When I was mayor four years ago, I didn’t get an invite from Withernsea, which is strange as we’re practically next door. But it’s great that we’ve built closer links in the past year.
“Plus, events like this give us chance to have a good natter!”
