Council invests new mayor at Town Hall cermony

THE BOROUGH has a new First Family, following a ceremony at Rotherham Town Hall on Friday afternoon.

Cllr John Foden was invested as Mayor of Rotherham and his wife Mrs Kath Foden as Mayoress at the annual full meeting of Rotherham Borough Council.

The proceedings were attended by dozens of guests, including delegates from Rotherham’s twin town of Saint Quentin, France.

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar made fun of the Cllr Foden’s Sheffield roots, saying: “Unfortunately, John was born in Sheffield. But I’m sure we won’t hold that against him.”

He added: “I’m privileged to have such a fantastic colleague. If anyone needs lessons on how to serve people then John would be the man to go to.”

Cllr Foden excused his “dee dah” heritage, saying: “I have come to love the people of Rotherham. It’s said that you are what you are because of the people you know.”

The ceremonies continue with a dinner party at New York Stadium on Friday evening, to be followed by a parade and service at Rotherham Minister on Saturday.