Mayor’s Blog 170

 

 9^th November – Bridport’s Remembrance Parade

 This was an exceptionally well-attended event, ably headed up and organised by our Claire Peters-Way and of course together with welcome assistance from Daryl and his team of ‘merry men’ who were on the scene organising and helping –  before, on, and after the event.

This year was John Dean’s last as our Parade Commander and we thank him for so very many years of leadership and support.

We also owe thanks to everyone who took part in the procession – this year we were honoured to have the Deputy Lieutenant for Dorset, Mr Cleeves Palmer, and also the High Sheriff, Mr Calum Bremner, to join us and who both gave a short address.

It was great to have so many groups proudly processing from the Town Hall to St Mary’s Church and laying wreaths – even our 95 year old ex serviceman and ex Town Councillor, Geoff Ackerman, attended and laid his.

Dave & I were personally proud that this year our grandson was the Standard Bearer for Bridport Army Cadets.

The whole event went off so smoothly – it was a lovely and meaningful occasion.

11^th November – Harmony AGM

 I was very pleased to be invited to Harmony’s 10^th anniversary celebrations and AGM.  They have achieved so much over this time and we are proud to have them at the centre of the organisation here in Bridport.  Holding the prestigious King’s Award (equivalent to an MBE) they have done wonders for those who use their services and are now expanding to take and introduce their care ‘package’ and offers to other towns in Dorset.  We congratulate them heartily. The quality of staff is exceptional.

11^th November – 10^th Birthday celebration of the Apothecary

This was such a wonderful evening.  I had been invited to attend and was given the honour of carrying in the birthday cake at the beginning of the celebrations.

The evening was filled with unexpected entertainment in many forms, all of which were amazing.  There were poems, songs, speeches, some funny some serious, but everything had ‘Bridport’ running though it in terms of what our town is – ie people doing their own thing, being totally accepted and appreciated, and of course enjoying every performance.

Big thanks must go to all the helpers/organisers for all the work they and their excellent team do within this excellent group.  We really enjoyed the experience.

The sharing of all those performances, each so different, and entwined with a very deep-seated and thoughtful thread running right through, and then often breaking into true Bridport Bonkersness at a moment’s notice was enchanting.  Loved it.

15^th November – BAC Exhibition – Last Day

“From and To” by Laura Eldret, was a project exploring “freedom from” and “freedom to,” featuring community creative displays, an honesty shop, and events running until mid-November as part of a national ‘Our Freedom’ arts program.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Laura before she took on this task.  The work she has put in to gather and bring together some of the talents we have in Bridport in respect of their art is to be congratulated.  A thought-provoking exhibition which has taken ideas and expression from all around our community – and they are not short of ideas!  This was a joy to behold.

I hope she will be able to continue to work with our Arts Centre on other projects – Bridport is always ‘up for it’ and excels in its talent.

18^th November – Bridport Food Festival AGM

 Our Food Festival is one of the highlights of Bridport’s Eventful Town and we are very much looking forward to the 2026 event, next July.  Thanks were given to all those who made things happen in 2025.   Particular thanks were given to Peter Wilson who stood down as Chair after 3 years.  It is no small task setting this up and delivering it.  Thankfully there were plenty of offers of help to put 2026’s event ‘on the road’, and when those present were asked who would come forward there was no shortage of volunteers.

23^rd November – Book Launch – All Aboard the Bridport Line

 Another triumph from Tegwyn Jones – held at the Bridport Museum, where many of the contributors were present to celebrate the occasion.  Tegwyn gathered stories from local people who used the line, which closed fifty years ago, and remembered its quirks.   A fascinating and entertaining book – comes highly recommended.

28^th November – Weldmar Xmas Tree & carols – Groves

 I attended this event last year and this one was again a very moving experience.  The enormous Christmas tree, donated and hosted by Groves Nurseries, was decked with remembrance cards and messages from people who were remembering lost loved ones who had been cared for by the Weldmar Hospice.

Songs, readings and music – starting with Bridport Primary School choir (delightful).   A meaningful and loving occasion.

30^th November – Pymore Inn Xmas Tree lighting

 This was a really lovely event and I was delighted to have been invited.    We arrived in the pub garden, already buzzing with people enjoying the atmosphere and all looking forward to seeing this amazing tree lit up, and whilst listening to the excellent Bridport Local Vocals Choir.

This live tree is 100ft tall – according to the landlord, taller than the one in Trafalgar Square!  As it is growing naturally it will no doubt be even taller this time next year!  To put up the lights safely, they’d hired a tree surgeon.  It’s glorious!  You’ll have to visit to appreciate it fully!