Mayor’s Blog 163
2nd April – Westlands Entertainment Centre, Yeovil
We were kindly invited by the Mayor of Yeovil to a very entertaining evening’s show at this lovely venue, which was a celebration of the huge number of choirs formed within the community and supported by the town.
We were first treated to a drinks and buffet reception, before being escorted to our seats in the theatre. The performances were all excellent and varied – so were the age groups – from the very young to the ‘more mature’. The enjoyment, commitment and energy from the singers and also the conductors was obvious. Altogether a very enjoyable evening.
3rd April – Portland Civic Day
Firstly we met at Helioperations – a much more important organisation than I’d thought. We were given a talk about the various activities there, shown around a helicopter used for search and rescue (with more controls and switches than anyone could imagine!). Very impressive – and for me, even more impressive is that they know how to fly them!
As a business they are delivering at a very high level. With exceptionally experienced and trained staff, they are licensed to work to military standards in all they do (much higher standards than one can expect from the tourist flights around the world!).
They have become a very important and trusted site on Portland, winning long-term contracts with organisations abroad. As well as contract work, a day to day occurrence is receiving requests from, and giving advice to, pilots in the vicinity – in fact we witnessed one requesting to land, during our presentation. We were given no details, but they might have been needing advice on something concerning them regarding their aircraft.
In addition to their highly-qualified staff they have the capacity to take on a few well-chosen apprentices and train them to their high standards – a long and arduous course only suitable for keen and able students.
After a lunch break we went on to the Coombefield Portland Stone mine. It It was quite some privilege to actually get the chance to go into the mine and see a huge piece of machinery actually cutting the stone. It’s noisy, as you would expect, and very dusty.
The knowledge of the geology is phenomenal (well it has to be) and their methods of cutting are calculated very carefully. To cut an enormous block – can’t give dimensions here – just enormous – a suitable site is selected and a machine with a cutting blade drills along a straight line at ground level, then they cut the sides, then the top. How do they get it off at the back? (I hear you ask). Believe it or not, they introduce a very powerful jet of water which forces the block to break away at the rear. Clever but I can’t pretend to fully understand the physics of it.
You will need to visit Mr Google or your favourite browser for specific details. Suffice to say, we were well looked after, and just visited one rock face being cut. Impressive.
12th April – Lions Club of Bridport – Lunch
We were kindly invited to join the Committee and members of the Lions Club of Bridport for their Annual Lunch which was held at the Haddon House Hotel in West Bay.
This is our local branch, part of the Lions Club International. Their aim is to fundraise to help those in need. Every penny of the fundraising goes to an appropriate charity.
This is a bunch of very generous and hardworking people constantly raising money for local deserving causes. Look them up on the internet, or Facebook and get yourself involved. They are always looking for more members.
It was a delightful lunch in good company. Look out for their next fundraiser.
24th April – Weymouth Civic Day
On a beautiful sunny day we travelled to Weymouth Town to experience a very interesting Civic Day. We met at the Town Council Offices and after refreshments moved straight on to the Mayor’s chosen charity, The Lantern Trust, to hear about their work,k which involved a multitude of assistance: Mental Health, Housing Support, Benefit Advice, Homeless spport, Drop-n support and guidance, Access Wellbeing and Emotional support. What an amazing range – it was heartwarming to see it in action. 01305 787940 if you want to refer anyone.
Then on for an overview of the work of the Resort Team to see what they’re doing on the seafront – impressive and great loos!
After a lovely lunch in the Council Chamber we went on to Radipole Park & Gardens to see the progress of work funded by the Heritage Lottery fund. It’s change a lot since we were last there – definitely worth a visit. Lots for children to enjoy and a beautiful sensory garden – also a café – visit – make a day of it.
Our final visit was to Tumbledown Community Grow Space. Taken from their website page to give you an idea of what they’re about:
“Tumbledown Community Growing is a beautiful 27-acre former farm owned by Weymouth Town Council. We are developing the land into a community asset by producing and selling local fruit and veg, supporting people with volunteering and learning opportunities, and protecting our local environment for the benefit of our community.”
Read more from their website – really worth knowing about. What an amazing job is being done there.
We so enjoyed our visit.
30th April – Colfox Academy Senior Prizegiving
Always good to see youngsters being rewarded for their hard work and lovely to be invited to present a couple. This was the senior part of the school, and clearly there are some very talented students who will be going on to greater things – some with multi-awards.
