A UNIQUE decades-old tradition is continuing as a new Mayor of Austerlands has been appointed at a special ceremony.
Mike Platt, former deputy head of Blue Coat School, received a clog-iron as his chain of office at the event at the Old Original, Scouthead.
He was also presented with a Yorkshire emblem tie by Michael Hall of Saddleworth’s White Rose Society, making him an Honorary Yorkshireman for the next 12 months.
A miniature clog iron was presented to retiring Mayor David Buckley along with flowers for his Mayoress.
Ex-mayor Roger Fielding, in red tailcoat and white bow tie, conducted proceedings which were attended by previous Austerlands mayors and members of the community.
Mike, married with two daughters and two grandchildren, has been a resident in Austerlands for 36 six years and is a passionate supporter of Oldham Athletic.
He said: “I think it is really important that local communities can do things like this together. Hopefully we can have a wonderful year, starting with the band contest.
“The band contest galvanises us and is something for us to look forward to.”
Keen fundraiser Mike added: “I have got a couple of events planned to raise money for my chosen charities, Cancer Research and NSPCC.
“I hate asking people for money so I want to put on events where they feel they have got their money’s worth.
“I hope I can bring people together and make them feel part of the community, as well as raising some money for charity.”
The Mayor of Austerlands tradition dates back to the late 1940s with the clog-iron being introduced in the late 1970s.
Mike becomes the 17th Mayor since the tradition was reintroduced in 1998 following the discovery of the clog-iron at the former Red Lion pub on Huddersfield Road.
The new mayor will lead the first band down to Dawson’s Field at the annual Whit Friday Brass Band contest on Friday, May 20 at 4.15pm.
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