LIFE has come full circle for the new head of the historic Altrincham heritage group, the Court Leet.

For 22 years Peter Garde worked as Mayoral Officer

for Trafford Borough Council - never guessing that he would one day become Provost of Altrincham, effectively the Mayor of the town.

Peter, 76, from Timperley, was made Provost at the Michaelmas Assize of the Court Leet.

“It is an honour to be Provost. It gives me the chance to let people know that we care about Altrincham’s heritage, past, present and future,” he said.

Peter should have become a Freeman of Altrincham in 1998 but, because of his wife’s death, it was delayed until 1999.

He said: “I used to attend meetings but my job wth Trafford was becoming more demanding so it was not until the Charter dinner in July this year that I became involved again.”

His job with Trafford Council was, like the Court Leet, ceremonial. He was the mace bearer and toast master at civic functions.

He was also Custodian of the Civic Silver.

He said: “The most valuable was from Altrincham who were given a lot of silver in 1937 when it became a borough.

“I remember two huge table centre pieces donated by firms in Broadheath.

“I watched it like a hawk because it was part of Altrincham’s heritage.”

Twice, when members of visiting parties came to Trafford Town Hall, he was able to recover pieces they had stolen – a silver ash tray and a cigarette box both from Altrincham.

Obviously, Altrincham was dear to his heart. He was pleased that the BBC had moved to Salford as many had settled in Greater Altrincham.

“London is not the only place with pomp and ceremony,” he said.

His next duty will be to attend a Remembrance Service at Dunham Road Garden of Remembrance at 10.50 on Sunday, November 12.

A Court Leet ruled Altrincham from at least 1452 and was the forerunner of elected local government.