Mayor’s Blog 166
1st & 2nd July – University of York
We were delighted to be invited to attend and take part in a workshop/conference on Rights Respecting at the University of York. As still the only ‘town’ which has declared itself to be Rights Respecting, we were surrounded by people from here and abroad who are promoting Rights in the home cities.
They were interested in how we started and how it is panning out. We were also able to tell them that our Dorset (County) Council has recently pledged to be Rights Respecting.
Apart from explaining how we got going, having launched in 2018, and having the local schools already on board, we suggested that as our Town Council adopted it immediately into its modus operandi, perhaps it was easier to connect within a town rather than a big city, though of course, looking back through its history, Bridport has been effectively RR for hundreds of years! Being the kind of place it was and still is, it was easier to work on it within a town where so many people already have a culture of acceptance, respect and helping each other.
4th-7th July – hosting our Twinning Group from St Vaast la Hougue
A very busy weekend began late evening on Friday 4th – the day after we returned from York. We met our French Twinning friends late in the evening and took them to our respective homes. The weekend was jam-packed with activities, the first of which was to experience the Saturday market and for John (Town Crier), the Mayor of St Vaast la Hougue and me, to greet them with a welcoming speech. John’s ‘cry’ was as entertaining as ever of course!
Then the Town Hall for a formal welcoming reception and then on to the WI Hall for lunch. On Sunday we took them to the Discovery Centre and after that we had the official ‘opening’ of the new extended “Place de St Vaast la Hougue) – a long-awaited rehash of an area near the harbour dedicated to their town. In St Vaast, they have dedicated the whole of the road parallel with the coast to “La Place de Bridport”!
Next was the Cider Barn in……. and after tours and tastings we adjourned for a final meal together under canvass – perfect on the summer evening with live entertainment from ….. and I was asked to sing Molly Malone for one of the French guests!
Then fond farewells the next morning. Quite a fabulous weekend, all in all and PLEASE NOTE – all expenses are covered by the Twinning Group and any extras covered by hosts.
14th July – Opening of Beach Wheelchair store, West Bay
Elaine Leader has been putting her heart and soul into beach access for disabled people and this was the formal ‘opening’ of a store for the chairs and matting (and whatever else is require) which is near the harbour – so well placed, it looks as if it’s been there for ever! The building’s position and design itself is the brainchild of our Harbourmaster James Radcliffe, it looks perfect in its setting and will do the job perfectly. Elaine gave thanks to a long list of those who so generously gave their time, money and support, and she includes our BTC staff and councillors. Elaine’s fortitude, determination and encouragement meant that Bridport townspeople and organisations came together so generously and it was a special moment when young Gabriel Joliffe, a student of Mountjoy School who has been through major surgery to save his life recently, agreed to cut the ribbon for us.
There is a lot to explain regarding how all this came about – do please read the report (with pics) on Bridport News here: New milestone reached in West Bay beach wheelchair scheme | Bridport and Lyme Regis News
24th July – Raft Race, West Bay
Oh I love this event! Quintessentially Bridport – a bit bonkers, lots of laughter, lots of splashing water on one another, lots of inventiveness and imagination, lots of energy, and lots of money going to the RNLI charity. One of the best events in our calendar.
The first raft to cross the line was the team dressed as Bananas in pyjamas, second was West Bay’s Lyme Bay Rib Charter team dressed as notorious Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher.
The raft chosen for it’s pure entertainment was from staff at Heavers whose raft was a model(ish) of the Only Fools and Horses van. Brilliant.
The best dressed award went to Thales, in their ‘Yellow Submarine’ vessel inspired by The Beatles.
What a splendid event, yet again. Do go and have a look on Bridport News – link here – some splendid photos. Teams battle it out at annual RNLI Raft Race at West Bay | Bridport and Lyme Regis News
26th July – Launch of West Bay Shuttle Bus
The last ‘gig’ for July. A dream come true! An idea coming from the community and with BTC’s help and guidance put into action. BTC is running it but see how it all started here: New Shuttle Bus from Bridport to West Bay! | DCAN
Our Town Crier John Collingwood gave a marvellous and humorous ‘Cry’ – he’s always amazing and so clever. He has special interest as he’s worked together with Bob Driscoll (also on the bus with us) within our bus group – WATAG – Western Area Transport Action Group for many years – see them both in this pic – Bob behind Dave and John behind Bob.
The first (and full) bus left South St Car Park at 1.45 on the dot and delivered us to West Bay. The driver was very friendly and helpful too. Let’s hope this really takes off as we have needed something like this for such a long time. The fare is just £1, under 14s are free and we oldies are able to use our bus passes! What’s not to like?
