As part of Stoke-on-Trent's centenary celebrations, it was a privilege to be able to attend the special centenary council where we heard a number of speeches, all celebrating 100 years of the city's status. Afterwards, there was a screening of the film commissioned for the visit by King George V in 1925, where he unexpectedly granted the city status. Rumour has it that although applications had been made before, they had been turned down on the advice of the government - however Queen Mary was an avid collector of pottery and so it's thought the King may have deliberately ignored government advice on this occasion because of this very special connection.
The meeting also included awarding ten individuals/organisations Freedom of the City, and I congratulate the following recipients: Denise Coates CBE, Peter Coates, Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE, John Goodwin, Fred Hughes, Mo Iqbal, Mike Lloyd OBE, Port Vale Football Club, Carol Shanahan OBE, and Joan Walley. Having worked with them all at some point, it was great to see their dedication to the city recognised. It was particularly special to see Sir Ian Dudson recognised on what was one of his final acts as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire.
As the granddaughter of Private Kidd - an ordinary but exceptionally proud soldier who served in the North Staffords during World War II, it was especially nice to be able to get a photo with the regimental mascot of the Staffords, Watchman, too.
I'm extremely proud of everything the City has achieved over the past one hundred years, and it was an honour to have played my small part in the celebration today.
