Elected 100 years after grandfather (From Witney Gazette)

Elected 100 years after grandfather

12:32pm Thursday 23rd August 2007 in Witney By The Page Turner

A SHOP designer has been chosen as Woodstock's new mock mayor, 100 years after his grandfather, Walter Bishop, held the post in 1907.

Dating back to 1786, the ancient tradition is one of only two such celebrations still held in the UK.

Re-established in 1986 after a lapse of 27 years, the mock mayor is elected before being pitched into the River Glyme, which forms the natural boundary between Old Woodstock and its more recent neighbour, 'new' Woodstock.

David Griffin, 60, pictured, is a jewellery shop designer living in Birmingham, but his family hails from the region.

He said: "I'm delighted to be the new mock mayor, as it demonstrates everything good about Woodstock, and to be elected 100 years after my grandfather held the post, makes it even more special."

The mock mayor event features traditional activities, including ducking stool, tug-of-war and greasy pole fighting, followed by prospective candidates presenting themselves and giving a speech to bid for re-election.

Once the mock mayor has been elected, there is a procession around Blenheim Palace, and then a mayoral ducking in the River Glyme later that evening.

This month's event was hosted by the owners of Oxford United, Ian Lenagan and Nick Merry, both of them previous mock mayors.

Oxford United players Yemi Odubade, Eddie Anaclet, and Chris Tardiff also attended, with manager Jim Smith. The Mock Mayor Corporation contributes to local charitable and voluntary organisations, including Woodstock Youth Centre, Woodstock Stroke Club, Spencer Court, Old Woodstock Boys Football Club, Woodstock Guides and Brownies, Woodstock Red Cross, and the Woodstock Relief in Need Charity.