Yesterday, I made history when I conducted a humanist ceremony to the mark the inauguration of the Ulverston’s new mayor, Dr Bharath Rajan.

Over the last 31 years, Ulverston has marked the appointment of its new mayor with a celebration on Civic Sunday. In the past, these have all been marked with a religious ceremony which have taken place in one of the town’s churches.

This year, the mayor was determined to do things differently.  He wanted the occasion to reflect his humanist values and beliefs.  Over the last couple of months, I worked closely with him and the town clerk to prepare this unique event which took place in the town’s parish rooms for the first time.

Although the mayor’s ceremony was entirely secular in nature, it was all inclusive and involved many local people. Readings were performed by Bharath’s family and the CEO of Ford Community Park.

Leah Greaves, from Victoria High School, played a moving rendition from Shindler’s List on the violin and David Thompson and Ian Honeyman played the piano. During a moment of quiet reflection, guests were invited to reflect on their community whilst Ulverston Town Band played ‘A Wonderful World.’

Dignitaries from all over South Lakeland and the Furness peninsula, including the High Sheriff of Cumbria, gathered for the occasion.  The overwhelming feedback was that the ceremony had been ‘positive’ and ‘uplifting’ and had made ‘a refreshing change’.

I felt very proud to be involved and look forward to conducting many more humanist ceremonies in the local community in the years to come.

Pictures include myself with the mayor and with Mum outside Ulverston Coronation Hall and posing with the town’s famous statue of Laurel and Hardy.