Former postal service manager becomes a first class first ci

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Former postal service manager becomes a first class first citizen

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A RETIRED Sheffield postal worker told of his "great honour" - after being appointed the city's 140th first citizen.
Alan Law, 64, who has been Labour councillor for Firth Park for the last 15 years, was officially appointed Lord Mayor in a ceremony yesterday.

Among the guests were the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Master and Mistress Cutler, and Bishop of Sheffield Dr Steven Croft.

Instead of making sure the mail gets through, Coun Law's new role will involve welcoming royalty and dignitaries to Sheffield, civic receptions and chairing council meetings - but he will spare some time for supporting the Blades!

Addressing the Town Hall chamber wearing his robes and chain for the first time, Coun Law said: "This is a great honour".

He said his year in office will involve promoting the voluntary sector and young people - including expanding the newly-created Lord Mayor's Awards to create a category for youngsters.

Of the charities he will be supporting Coun Law, whose consort will be daughter Nicola Ashton, first mentioned St Luke's Hospice - a cause close to his heart because his late wife Christine spent her final days there 12 years ago.

"Christine is my inspiration. What they did for her was tremendous," he said.

He is also supporting Amy's House, a respite facility for children in Handsworth, St Wilfrid's Centre for the disadvantaged, the Archer Project for the homeless, Brushes Busy Kids club, Firth Park and SSAFA, an organisation which supports the families of service personnel.

Coun Law, who served as Mayor in his home town of Stocksbridge in 2007, added he would "continue with the appeal" to provide funds for a war memorial for people from the Sheffield killed in conflicts since 1945 - and support the associated appeal for a new war memorial in Shiregreen Cemetery.

Outgoing Lord Mayor Graham Oxley, who has stood down as Lib Dem city councillor for East Ecclesfield at this month's election, said a total of £12,000 has been raised for the two memorials so far.

Coun Oxley, still a parish councillor for Ecclesfield, said he had been "extremely privileged" to hold the role of Lord Mayor and said his year had been "enjoyable and interesting".

Among the top moments for him and wife Irene were welcoming Prince Edward on a visit to Sheffield, and honouring the Women of Steel who manned Sheffield's industry during World War Two and gold medal-winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis.

And a more personal highlight was when the couple had special dispensation from the Rotherham Mayor to be guests of honour at their two grandsons' sports day at Wentworth C of E Primary School.

As well as the fundraising for the war memorial, Coun Oxley said £18,000 had been raised for a range of charities during his time in office.Sylvia Dunkley, former cabinet member for Culture and Sport, has been appointed Deputy Lord Mayor, with husband John as consort.