Citizen Of The Year

Something very nice happened at the town hall last night.  Spectator seating was full. A happy buzz of anticipation filled the place when I arrived. Steve Hinder was lurking in the corridor with one other as I made my way  to the ramp at the back of the Council chamber.
The Award for Citizen of the Year was being presented.
The Mayor gave the speech outlining a lifetime of contribution to the community .It took a while.
Except for Brian North fillig a place in the front row, arms folded across  massive chest, hands tucked under his arms, the usual sparkle in his eyes, few faces in the crowd were familiar.
The name of the Citizen is never released beforehand.
Only the selection committee knows.
Citizen of the Year 2012 was Brian North.
A  cheer filled the room when his name was announced. People rose to their feet and clapped and clapped and went on clapping.
That happened several times after.
It was a moment it seemed no-one wanted to end.  
Friends and colleagues, family members and cousins   came to Aurora last night and filled the Council Chamber to join in the honor paid to a man they knew gave honor to the award.
It was a lovely,warm and memorable occasion. 
Over all too soon.
A reception was provided in one of the meeting rooms behind the council chamber but  without Council. 
The  Council meeting started.
The party went on without us.