Citizenship Ceremonies

People from Brazil, Gambia and the Philippines all passed through Crewe Hall this month on their way to becoming British citizens.

The monthly ceremonies are the final stage for people wishing to become a British national. Prior to the ceremony they will have correctly answered a series of broad-ranging questions based on their knowledge of life in the UK.

The ceremony is led by the Superintendent Registrar for Cheshire East. There are speeches made by the Mayor of Cheshire East, a member of the Cheshire Lieutenancy - who represents HM The Queen - and other members of the Council, all welcoming the new citizens to Cheshire East and into membership of the British Nation.

The applicant swears an oath of allegiance to the Queen and pledges to be a loyal subject of the UK. They are then presented with their certificate of British Nationality and given a historic map of Cheshire.

Photographs of the new citizens together with the dignitaries are taken. This is followed by the new citizen signing the Citizenship Register. The ceremony is concluded with the playing of the national anthem.

Since April 2009, Cheshire East has seen 393 adults and 99 children become British citizens.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “The ceremonies help welcome people from all over the world to the Cheshire East community.

“It is important that people new to the country and Cheshire East feel a sense of belonging to their local community and these events help achieve this.”

Councillor Lesley Smetham, Cabinet support member for sustainable communities, said: “The new members of our communities may have made difficult decisions and left all that is familiar to them to learn a new language and new way of life. It is a privilege to be able to help those who may have suffered hardship.”