Bollington Town Council broke with tradition for the second time during the Coronavirus pandemic and held it's Sunday Civic Service virtually.

Without the traditional parade through the streets of Bollington or a church to hold the service in, the event was nevertheless deemed an overwhelming success.

The service was, as always, open to all and many in the community joined with invited civic dignitaries to celebrate community spirit and public service.

The Mayor of Bollington, Cllr. John Cadman Stewart and Town Councillors were joined by past mayors as well as the Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr. Barry Burkhill, Mayor of Poynton, Cllr. Lee Podmore, Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr. Andrew Malloy and David Rutley MP.

The Mayor's Chaplain, Rev.d Canon Veronica Hydon of St. Oswald's Church, Bollington led the service from her home and although Bollington Brass Band were unable to lead a parade this year, they kindly recorded, separately and in their own homes, the national anthem so that it could be played during the service.

Luca Allbright was invested as the Mayor's Youth Consort and read prayers that he had composed himself for the occasion. He received his badge of office which will be worn at official events.

Sunday marked the end of National Volunteers' Week and during his address, Cllr. Stewart paid tribute to the wonderful work of Bollington's volunteers and thanked them for their unstinting efforts.

He said: "The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the wonderful work done by volunteers, who come from all walks of life.

"Stories of kindness abound and it has been most heartening to see the best of humanity in action. The Bollington Resilience Action Group (BRAG) has been a tremendous success. But it is not just during a pandemic that great things happen.

Cllr Stewart added: "Every day, an army of volunteers look after loved ones, care for their elders and the infirm. Those volunteers with children and relatives who have additional needs, who are vulnerable and dependent on others just to survive. And those volunteers who work tirelessly for charities, to raise funds for those less well off than themselves."

Current public health restrictions meant that the traditional gathering for coffee and cakes after the service could not take place and, despite the success of the event, everyone is certainly looking forward to a time when we can all gather together again.

The Sunday Civic Service followed in the success of the Mayor Making ceremony last month, which also took place virtually.