This Civic Service yesterday afternoon was a real celebration of all that is good about this place... from dignitaries in their finery, to a brass band and a choir, with voices in around a dozen languages, and people of every skin tone... the  Mayor's requested theme of inclusion was expressed in many different ways.

I managed to hide at the back of the group photo, behind the teddy bear skin edged robes and feathered hats of the 'chain gang' (a term I came across somewhere else a long time ago to describe such gatherings).

Representatives of emergency services, a local school, craft initiatives and other local charities and organisations filled the church, sang lustily (lots of school assembly bangers!) and commented kindly on my words.

I'm not a fan of dressing up, but there are times when it is right to do so  - and for a bruised community that is all too often derided, yesterday was a day when celebration and dressing up were important.