Rise of Neville Chamberlain which became the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra was initiated. The Lord Mayor persuaded Sir Thomas Beecham to conduct a series of events in Birmingham. The concerts caused Birmingham to be regarded as a cultural centre, and in 1919, the Orchestra was formally founded. Chamberlain established the Birmingham Municipal Bank, the only one of its type in the country, which aimed to encourage savings to pay for the war loan. The bank proved highly successful and lasted until 1976, when it was taken over by Lloyds Bank. Chamberlain was re-elected Lord Mayor in 1916, but he did not complete his
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent The position of Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent is largely ceremonial. The role of Lord Mayor is decided upon by a vote amongst the elected councillors of Stoke-on-Trent City Council; the candidates are also selected from the councillors. The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Lilian Dodd. Between 1910 and 1928 the Borough, and later, City of Stoke-on-Trent had a Mayor rather than a Lord Mayor. The first Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent was Cecil Wedgwood of the Wedgwood pottery dynasty. The title of Lord Mayor was first conferred on the City of Stoke-on-Trent by King George V on 10