Just call me citizen...

Wednesday the 29th of September dawned crisp and clear, the perfect day for my long awaited citizenship ceremony.  Actually, that's a complete fib, it was a miserable, grey day pouring with rain!  But, it dawned none the less.  I was surprisingly, very nervous.  I spent some time dithering about what to wear and faffing about hair and makeup, and then spent a lot more time trying to reign in Tom!  He was reluctant to go out, reluctant to go for a wee and adamant he would not put shoes on.  Then spent some time putting my hair to rights after pulling it out in frustration!  The plan was to meet Steve at Wallsend Civic Hall at about 1:30, so he could take charge of Tom and I could take my seat amongst 40 other wannabes.  We waited, and waited and waited.  I rang him up to find out where he was.  No answer.  The rain continued to pour down.  Guests and citizens streamed past.  I started to become anxious.  I rang him again.  Still no answer.  Eeeek.   I was supposed to be sitting by 1:45.  I started to panic and also started to worry about Steve.  I knew he was in Wallsend, he had rung and told me that he was there and was going to grab some lunch on his way to the hall, before I even left home.  Finally he answered his phone, he was lost!!  Someone had sent him in the wrong direction, and then when he had realised it was wrong someone else had sent him to another wrong direction!!  And all of this in the relentless rain.  Eventually Tom and I saw him walking through the trees, sodden, absolutely soaked to the skin!  We rushed in, I got shown to my seat and shortly after the ceremony began.
We were welcomed by Moira Greenwood, the Deputy Registrar, had a song from St Bernadette's Primary School (Weel May the Keel Row) and then a speech by Councillor Duncan McLellan, The Chairman of the Council.  After that we all had to swear allegiance, and then one by one go and collect our certificates and shake hands with the Chairman.  This is what I had to say:
    
        I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
       I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms.  I will uphold its democratic values.  I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British Citizen.

Then we were congratulated and all stood to sing the National Anthem - I will confess that I did feel a bit emotional at this juncture!!  Another speech as Deputy Lieutenant Gordon (The Queen's representative) said some nice things, the Councillor made some closing remarks, we had another song from the choir, and that, as they say, was that!!  Done deal. Citizen Card!!! 


Tom was remarkably well behaved - so was his dad ;-)  We had some light refreshments and then all went on our way, clutching our commemorative gifts (a pen inscribed with     the words North Tyneside Council - it doesn't work!!!), information about how to apply for your passport and a leaflet about fire safety!!!!