PEOPLE from 17 different countries across the globe have gathered at one of Bexley’s grandest houses for the borough’s largest-ever citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony was held in the newly restored Great Hall at the Grade I listed Tudor mansion of Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, chosen for its “iconic Britishness”.

It involved 44 people who have chosen to make their new home in Bexley, and was timed to coincide with Local Democracy Week.

Among the guests was Bexley’s mayor and first citizen, Councillor Nick O’Hare, himself an immigrant to the UK.

Born of Greek parents, Cllr O’Hare’s name was originally Nick Tereti.

He was sent to England aged 13, to live with his aunt and changed his name when he was adopted by his aunt and her husband.

The ceremony was conducted by Bexley’s superintendent registrar, Alison Parr, in front of more than 120 people, including community and civic leaders such as Bexley Council leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill, council chief executive Will Tuckley, as well as family and friends.

The new citizens were asked to swear or affirm an oath to the sovereign, and were then asked to take a pledge of loyalty.

Music for the ceremony was provided by well known Bexley pianist Carol Ann Wells, who has given recitals at most of London’s high-profile venues, as well as appearing on television and radio both at home and abroad.

She also accompanied her husband, the Rev Del Bearfoot from the Wellspring Pentecostal Church in Welling, who sang the national anthem.

After the ceremony, Cllr O’Neill said: “I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the new British citizens, who have chosen the London borough of Bexley as their home.”

Each new citizen was also given a new council booklet, Voice Your Choice, advising them how to register to vote and explaining the British voting system.

Cllr O’Neill added: “This will ensure their right to vote and be part of a democratic process which is the envy of many countries worldwide.”

Mayor speaks of becoming citizen

COUNCILLOR Nick O’Hare spoke movingly about his own experiences of becoming a British citizen.

He told them: “Like all of you here today, I originally came from another country.

“I arrived here as a young boy 37 years ago, not knowing what lay ahead of me.

“To make matters worse, I didn’t speak a word of English and lived out of the city, in the country.

“I was the only foreign-born child in a school of 1,000 pupils.”

He added: “I worked very hard all my life to be where I am today.

“This is a great country to be in, and is still a place where dreams are made.

“It is a place of opportunity.

“Take every opportunity which comes your way and if you fail the first time, don’t give up.

“Try and try again until you achieve your goals.

“Be proud of becoming a British citizen. Be proud of who you are.

“Be proud of your roots and most importantly, on becoming a citizen of this country, make sure this country is proud of you.”

Family's new start in Britain

LYDIA Ajani, 43, from Thamesmead, and her four children, aged 16, 15, 14 and 11, were among those who took part in the ceremony.

Originally from Nigeria, Mrs Ajani came to Britain in 1996 and works as a nurse in Newham.

She said: “It was a joint family decision to become British.

“I love this country, and it will make the lives of my children better.

“It will give them better opportunities and a better education.”

Mrs Ajani loved the ceremony and said: “It was a wonderful show and people were so happy to see us.”

She added: “The mayor gave a very touching speech.”

Her husband plans to follow his family’s example and also take British citizenship as soon as he is able.

Asked how she feels now she is British, Mrs Ajani said: “I am so happy. This is a great achievement for me.”