by Graham Tutthill

The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports led a procession of representatives from all 14 towns of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports through Dover on Saturday, October 3.

Two parades, a church service and a free concert in the Town Hall made up the entertainment for dignitaries and the public.

The honour of Speaker of the Cinque Ports comes once every seven years as the Speakership moves from town to town. This year it was the turn of Dover Mayor Cllr Sue Jones to hold the ancient office.

The Lord Warden, Admiral the Lord Boyce, preceded by the Admiralty Sergeant carrying the 'mace’ of the Confederation, a solid silver oar, led the procession from the Town Hall to St Mary's Church for a service.

The Lord Warden, Confederation officers, 14 Town Mayors and Town Clerks, and Dover councillors followed their maces through the town in a grand procession of pomp and pageantry.

The Lord Warden took the salute from the Sea Cadets guard of honour. The Sea Cadets’ band will then lead the procession, with Air Training Corps cadets, Mayoresses and guests, including Lady Boyce and Dover District Council chairman Cllr Bernard Butcher, back to the Town Hall for a three-course lunch.

The afternoon concert included performances by Dover Choral Society, St Mary’s School choir, youth bands and pupils from Astor College for the arts, Dover College and Dover Grammar School for Boys, Dover Youth Theatre and CJ Dance.