Mayor’s Blog 174

3 March – Meeting of Bridport Charities

 Bridport’s Mayor is automatically made a Trustee of Bridport Charities – and I have attended their meetings throughout my two terms as Mayor.  This is a very long-standing and very caring group of people who look after the buildings and welfare of those elderly individuals in our town who need good, affordable accommodation and sometimes help.  They are on hand to sort out any problems which occur at any time.  I admire them wholeheartedly.

This was my last attendance as a Trustee, and I was able to thank the committee for their kindness and for welcoming me to their ‘fold’ over the past two years, and congratulate them on the good work they do throughout the year.

I am sure our incoming Mayor will be welcomed every bit as warmly.

 21 March – Bridport British Legion’s double celebrations

What a very special double-occasion-day this was for the British Legion and I was so delighted to have been invited to share it with them.  Although I have not taken part in the activities other than admire their work, past and present, what a lot has been achieved over so many years.  Their enduring love and compassion is nothing less than wondrous.

The morning’s celebration focused on the fact that 150 years ago, this lovely hall opened and started its busy life as a Foresters Hall, then acted as a schoolroom, and was a local venue for many trade union meetings in the early 1900’s.

Bridport is well-known for its welcoming community, and this hall has, over so many years, shared this space and hosted all sorts of events, welcoming our local and lively community to spend time together quizzing, playing, dancing, partying, attending exhibitions, talks and whatever else Bridportians come up with – and that’s quite a lot! They are due massive thanks, some in retrospect, and some who are still working hard all over the country and especially those who are here in Bridport, still ‘flying the flag’.  One of those groups, Local Vocals – came to entertain us too.

In the afternoon we were celebrating the Centenary of the British Legion, Women’s Section.  There was the most beautiful birthday cake and very interesting talks on the activities still continuing.

The celebration was not just about looking back, but recognising the enduring community spirit that has kept the hall at the heart of Bridport life for generations.

Everyone was welcome to attend, and locals who have memories or stories about the hall’s past were encouraged to share them.

The Bridport branch of the RBL has also continued to raise significant amounts of money for the Poppy Appeal.  Last year it raised more than £23,000, building on the previous years’ collections!

The latest achievement from the branch comes in a year when it was presented with two awards at the County Conference held at the Royal British Legion in Ferndown, in February.