Hanging in there

A friend asked me to take some photos for the "Sheffield Design Awards", today, a scheme that's attached to Sheffield Civic Trust. Cutting a long story short, these awards go to buildings, or works of public art, that are judged to meet high standards. Despite the grand titles, it's not a particularly well-funded initiative.
It was a nice project for me, as any kind of 'event' photography is somewhat out of my comfort zone - and so this was a good opportunity to learn. There were two of us working together, which made it fun too.

The basic shots needed were of people on the little stage, making speeches and accepting awards. In between those moments, I got absorbed in other tiny details. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were both there, both bedecked in mayoral bling. At one point I noticed that the Lady Mayoress had carefully secured her heavy chain on her shoulder with a safety pin. This seemed a peculiarly touching detail.

Norms have clearly changed, with respect to Mayoral titles. The Lord Mayor is a woman (Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards).  Her husband died of cancer a couple of years ago. Another woman councillor now accompanies her, in the Lady Mayoress role. They seemed a very jolly pair. I discovered that the Lord Mayor devotes a regular day a week to promoting reading with young children; she's definitely a good egg.

Later Richard and I went to hear Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues orchestra at the City Hall. Jack and Marianna had bought us tickets for R's birthday, back in April (impressive forward planning on their part).  The place was packed, and Lulu - yes, that Lulu! - was a special guest. A good night out.