Monday 19th May 2014

It's been a busy and undoubtedly emotional few days for Chesterfield's 374th Mayor, Senegal born Cllr Alexis Diouf.



After being sworn in at Chambers last Wednesday evening (story HERE) - where he made a heartfelt speech to his fellow councillors and family asking, "Who would have thought that the little boy chasing goats in Senegal would end up here today?" he paraded through town on Saturday morning - again with family and fellow dignitaries - to attend his Civic Service at the Crooked Spire.



Hundreds of shoppers and wellwishers lined the procession route and watched Dignitaries, including MP Toby Perkins, Leader of the Council John Burrows and Chief Executive Huw Bowen, make the sunshine filled journey along Rose Hill and through the High Street.



The service itself, officiated by Reverend David Mouncer, Assistant Priest, and Reverend Simon Robinson, the Mayor's Chaplain 2014/15, featured hymns including 'Be Thou My Vision', 'Praise My Soul' and 'I Vow To Thee My Country' and a reading Luke 4 14-22 read by Councillor Chris Collard.

Prayers were said for the Queen and those in authority, and an address was given by the Mayor's Chaplain, in which he talked about Jesus living amongst us.

Reverend Robinson, a friend and church colleague of His Worship for 11 years, also brought laughter to the congregation when he joked that he'd never worn his suit as much as he had in the last few days! He also made reference to a comment from a member of His Worship's family in Senegal who had described him as the Obama of Chesterfield.

By special request of the Mayoress the anthem 'The Lord Bless You And Keep You' by John Rutter was sung by the Church Choir.



After marching back to the town hall where the salute was taken on the Town Hall steps a reception was held inside and the Mayoral Charities were officially announced for the coming year.



They will be The British Heart Foundation; chosen after His Worship had a double by pass operation in 2005.

The Rooftop Trust - A small local charity which helps the homeless - and runs the winter night shelter, along with paying for emergency bed and breakfast accommodation when needed. His Worship the Mayor was Chair of what is now Chesterfield Churches Action which now manages the night shelter.

The final charity will be Friends of Baback - A small charity linked to the Mayor's home village in Senegal and helping children to receive an education, which is not free in Senegal.

Cllr Diouf had previously said that, having received an education in Senegal, "It opened doors for me. My parents taught me the world doesn't owe me a living!" and he now wants other children in his village to have the same opportunity.

Cllr Shirley Niblock will chair the Mayor's Appeal Committee and many events have been lined up.

Speaking of his year ahead as he was sworn in at Council, Cllr Diouf said that , after residing in the borough for 33 years he would, "Like to thank the people of Chesterfield for adopting me" and that he would "do anything it takes to make Chesterfield proud of me!"

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