WITH some pomp, circumstance and the bringing in of the mace, Reading bade farewell to one of its longest serving servants, while elevating another to become its first citizen.
On Wednesday, May 22, the town hall was the place for the historic ceremony that marks the end of one municipal year and the start of the next.
With it, the role of town mayor changes from one incumbent to the next.
Robed up in all their ermine, Cllr Tony Page handed over the chains of office, quite literally, to his successor, Cllr Glenn Dennis.
It brought to an end a 51-year stint as a councillor.
Now, Tony Page is a citizen of the town, rather than one of the movers and shakers.
But he leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come, for among his accomplishments he helped move Reading Buses depot to Great Knollys Street, paving the way for The Oracle shopping centre, something that transformed the town.
The ceremony began with everyone upstanding as the mayor, his deputy, and his assistants brought the mace into the chamber.
Then, Cllr Mark Keeping nominated Cllr Dennis to be the new mayor, something seconded by Cllr Elle Emberson.
His deputy will be Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, nominated by Cllr Mickey Leng and Cllr Rachel Eden.
Speaking to Reading Today, Cllr Dennis said he was delighted that friends and family were there to witness his robing, although there was one person missing: his late wife, Colette. She died last year following an illness.
“This is something that is as much for them as it is for me,” he said. “My friends and family have never been to anything like this before. They have been complimenting me and they feel so proud. I do as well.
“Losing my wife was quite devastating for me. Me being made mayor is a moment she would feel so proud about.”
Cllr Dennis said he had been deputy mayor twice before and therefore “know the drill”, and had attended numerous events in an official capacity including helping to open the pedestrian bridge in Christchurch Meadows, a blood plasma donation centre and the Reading Carnival, as well as many children’s events.
“I love Reading, I really do,” he added, “There’s so much going on in Reading.”
And over the course of his municipal year, Cllr Dennis will find out just how much.
“I’m up the challenge,” he smiled. “I always am.”
