SHEFFIELD'S new Lord Mayor Jane Bird flew into the Town Hall yesterday - as fellow councillors joked that she would ruffle a few feathers!
In a humorous Mayor making ceremony, she took over the chains of office from retiring Mayor Coun Arthur Dunworth.
Coun Bird, Labour councillor for Shiregreen and Brightside, will be accompanied by her consort and husband Roger.
Coun Marjorie Barker, who proposed Coun Bird as Mayor, told VIPs: "After having a male Mayor, we can look forward to having a Bird taking over the role.
"She will be a beautiful and regal swan when representing the city and a wise owl when chairing the council - keeping a tight grip on the hawks, vultures and occasional great tits!"
Coun Barker described Coun Bird as one of the original "Bower babes" dating back to when Mike Bower was Council Leader.
"Jane, along with Joan Barton, Pat Midgley, Jan Wilson and Jackie Drayton, were the political equivalent of the Spice Girls but they were more than just pretty faces.
"Jane has given tremendous service to the city. She has chaired various committees which have given her a wide range of knowledge.
"She is a shining example of public service and will be a magnificent Lord Mayor.
Coun Bird replied: "It's the proudest day of my life after the birth of my sons and grandchildren."
n The Lib Dems officially took control of the council yesterday. New Council Leader is Coun Paul Scriven. His party swept to power in May's local elections and the council now consists of 46 Lib Dem councillors, 35 Labour councillors and three Green councillors.
n The city has a new Mayoral robe to replace one made in 1991 and presented by the University of Sheffield but which has become tatty.
The new robe, costing £4,000, was presented by Sheffield Town Trust, which owns property in the city and donates rent to charitable causes.
Annifer Lee, of the Town Trust, said: "I embroidered an inscription and the date on the new robe and I'm also going to take the crest from the collar of the old robe. There are some gold embroidery panels on the old robe and they will also be reapplied so it links the past with the present."
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