Christmas Celebration Ceremonies for New Citizens
Kirklees Council recently welcomed new citizens in a number of special citizenship ceremonies at Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Halls.
Welcomed by the Mayor of Kirklees and the Deputy Mayor, attendees to the events were entertained by school choirs from Kirkburton Primary School and Batley Boys Grammar School with festive songs.
The Ceremony is very much a welcome into the United Kingdom and, more significantly for the Council, a welcome into the District of Kirklees. The new citizens are encouraged to register to vote and to become an active participant within the Kirklees community.
Who attended?
The new citizens taking the final step to acquire British nationality came from all over the world including Barbados, Burma, Grenada, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Somalia and Egypt. Many of whom had seen great conflict and are now seeking a peaceful life in the UK.
Who were the officials?
Attendees heard from officials including the Deputy Lieutenant, Professor Bob Cryan and the Council’s Director of Finance Eamon Croston and expecting Emily Parry-Harries, Head of Public Health, before giving their allegiance to the Crown and a pledge of loyalty to her Majesty the Queen.
What happened on the day?
As attendees and their families entered the ceremony room, they were greeted by choirs from local schools to make this particular Christmas event extra special. After the formal part of the ceremony, the newly welcomed citizens were able to take photographs with their families.
Cllr Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment said: “The ceremonies are an important part of the journey to become a British Citizen. Across Kirklees we’re proud to welcome those who have chosen to make their home here. For many, their journeys have not been easy but I am sure that our community will welcome them as they settle as British subjects. I hope our new citizens’ lives will be enriched by being part of Kirklees and the UK. Equally, I hope that they will enrich the lives of others and their respective communities.”