Pupils from Mainholm Academy were among the special guests at the latest Citizenship Ceremony arranged by South Ayrshire Council.

The pupils, along with their Head Teacher, Mr John Happs, were on hand to applaud when a Canadian-born staff member became a British Citizen  … more than 40 years after leaving Canada.

And following the official ceremony, special needs auxiliary Mrs Patricia Gilmore was taken back to Mainholm to be treated to a special “British lunch party” hosted by pupils and staff to celebrate her British Citizenship.

The latest Citizenship Ceremony, conducted by Registrar Carol Murray, and at which South Ayrshire Council Provost played a special role, took place in the County Buildings, Ayr,  Headquarters of South Ayrshire Council.

The Home Office has instructed that Citizenship Ceremonies be carried out all over the United Kingdom, to mark the final step in a person becoming a British Citizen.  The formal occasion officially welcomes those who wish to attain full Citizenship of the United Kingdom, a state that is built upon a union of nations and common civic values.

In addition to Mrs Gilmore,  British Citizenship was conferred on three others who took part in the ceremony:   Ayr resident, Mrs Victoria Hildebrandt, and her son Yevgeniy Lucas, originally from Ukraine and Mr Dejan Djordjevic, from Yugoslavia.

Watched by members of their respective proud families, all took the oath of allegiance and pledge of loyalty to their new country.

The “extra” special guest pupils from Mainholm enthusiastically applauded Mrs Gilmore, and Head Teacher John Happs recorded the ceremony to enable it to be viewed later by Mainholm pupils. 

Afterwards, a delighted Mrs Gilmore joked about a dramatic happening which had encouraged her to seek British Citizenship.

She left Canada as a child, more than 40 years ago, and since then has had a Canadian passport.  Said Mrs Gilmore: “I can laugh about it now, but I had a terrible experience. I joined other school staff members for a pre-Christmas shopping trip by plane to Prague.  When we landed I was treated most suspiciously, and not allowed to enter the country. I was literally kept in a room all day and not allowed to contact anyone until the rest of the party arrived back to fly home.  I really am delighted to become a British Citizen.”

During the ceremony the Citizens-to-be were asked to make promises and swear or affirm an oath to the Sovereign that they would be faithful Citizens, and made a formal and public pledge that they would be loyal subjects and observe the laws of the United Kingdom.

After taking part in the Citizenship Ceremony Provost Sloan said:  “I was honoured and privileged to take part in the ceremony which is formally led by a Registrar. “

Provost Sloan welcomed and addressed each would-be Citizen and at the conclusion of the formal proceedings, presented each new Citizen with a certificate of British Citizenship and a glass ornament engraved with the South Ayrshire Council crest. The National Anthem was played to mark the conclusion of the official ceremony.

All who took part in the ceremony were then able to relax and enjoy light refreshments with the Provost, their guests and others at the ceremony.

Ceremonies are held in South Ayrshire once every three months, however the number of ceremonies each year may vary depending on demand. 

Pupils from Mainholm Academy are pictured with special needs auxiliary Mrs Patricia Gilmore, and Provost Winifred Sloan after the  Citizenship Ceremony.

After the Citizenship Ceremony,  Mr Dejan Djordjevic is pictured with Provost Winifred Sloan.

Yevgeniy Lucas Hildebrandt pictured with Provost Winifred Sloan after receiving his certificate at the  Citizenship Ceremony.

Mrs Victoria Hildebrandt pictured with the Provost following the Citizenship Ceremony.

June 2006