In 2003 I was a volunteer at the LGI. I was a Chaplaincy Visitor and a Hospital Radio Presenter. We were informed in a memo that the Lord Mayor, Bryan North, wished to invite volunteers from hospitals in Leeds to afternoon tea as a way of thanking and honouring them for their work. The places were limited and you had to apply. I did so and was fortunate enough to receive an invitation.

The tea took place in June 2003 at the Civic Hall. I went with 3 friends, Christine, Felicity and Clare who were also Chaplaincy Visitors. We met up at the Civic Hall where we left our coats in the cloakroom. We were shown upstairs where we had to wait outside the room where we would be having tea. We spent a little time looking at various items displayed in cabinets in the hall then were called in. We were shown to a table which was laid with a cloth and china. The Mayor and other officials were on a stage at one end of the room. He made a speech thanking us for all our hard work and said how much the hospitals needed us. (He was dressed in his suit, no regalia at this point). He said to enjoy our tea.

We were served sandwiches, cakes and tea by a uniformed waitress who made sure we had everything we required. 

Towards the end of the meal we were surprised when the Lord Mayor came to our table now wearing his full regalia with the exception of his hat which he held upside down. He told us that he'd dressed up to honour us and the very important work (his words, not mine) we do. He also told us he'd wanted to give us something as a small reward and he'd suddenly remembered the badges left over from the Queen's Golden Jubilee the previous year. He'd filled his mayoral hat with these and gave us one each. He said it was the least he could do for us and he wished he had something better to give us.

I really enjoyed the occasion and treasure the badge.