Mayor’s Blog 175

9 April – Ukraine President of Rotary

I was invited to meet the very pleasant Lady President of the Ukrainian Rotary Club.  We met in the Bridport Museum and had an interesting chat about Bridport (her English was amazing).  She was hoping I had control of finances – as many other European Mayors do – and would be able to set up a string of events in large venues for performances of plays by well-known Ukrainian Players.  However, although I told her about all our theatres, and our Electric Palace being the largest, as a 400-seater, she had to decline as none of our venues were anywhere big enough for their needs.

15 April – Wimborne Civic Day

 Dorset Mayors assembled at the invitation of the Mayor of Wimborne, to visit Kingston Lacy, which was enhanced by the expertise of the guides, and then on to Walford Mill which was very enjoyable and such a special place where we were able to engage with the craftmakers – such a talented bunch of people who are loving where they both work and sell their crafts.  It is a great place to see and visit.  Recommend.

16 April – Portland Civic Day

 From the designated car park, we set off by coach to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy for refreshments  – what fabulous views across Portland Harbour and the Jurassic Coast!

From there we took a short walk to the Castletown D-Day Centre  – greeted with a glass of champagne and then to an introduction and tour of the Castletown D-Day Centre – very well worth a visit – you can climb on equipment, try on clothes etc – very ‘hands on’ which is unusual.

Then lunch in the Blues Club at the Grove Football Club and on to the Portland Stone Limited Waste Recycling Facility where we were treated to a really enlightening talk and tour.  Fantastic day overall.

 18 April – The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra

 This excellent concert was hosted by The Rotary Club of Bridport, and held at the Bridport United Church.  What a wonderful evening of Jazz from this very talented band of young musicians.

The concert was raising funds towards Dorset County Hospital Portable Ventilator Appeal and other needy causes.

28 April – Annual Town Meeting

 This is the occasion when the local organisations to which our Town Council has awarded grants have the opportunity to let us know how they have spent the money and how the recipients have benefited.  They are all so grateful for the monetary assistance.  It is a really pleasant event – so good to see the faces of these organisations – and they’re only a few of so many that exist in this town –  I thanked them for all they do and for the love, inspiration and time they all give to individuals, groups, and of course the benefits they bring to the town.

MOVING ON TO MAY…..Just a couple of events whilst still Mayor…

 1^st – LB1 Late Bus service launch

 We were invited to be part of the launch of this service which it is hoped will be well-used.  We were picked up from the Bus Station and taken to Lyme Regis – stopped for a while and were returned to Bridport.  The last bus back from Lyme will go on to Weymouth for those needing it.  Very good idea!  Timetables available from our TIC.

2^nd May – Allington Country Fair

 This was nothing less than spectacular!  What a show – what organisation – what talent – wonderful live music – how lucky to have such an energetic organisation with so many skills and let’s not forget the help BTC gave too.   Clearly one of the best events yet.  Well done everyone.

6^th May – Garden Party at the Palace!

 Not strictly a Mayoral ‘duty’, but Dave and I were very kindly nominated and (astonishingly accepted) for a place at this year’s Royal Garden Party!  It is of course a huge privilege to be invited and we very much enjoyed the experience.  We didn’t meet any Royals (we’re not important enough!) but we met some lovely people and it was something for us to look back on very fondly.

7^th May – Full Council including Mayor-making

 After an exhausting, and stressful journey back from London, we were very relieved to manage to get back to Bridport in time for this!

Everything went smoothly however, and I stood down from my position as Mayor and give my heartfelt thanks to all those who helped and supported me over the past two years.  Congratulations to our next Mayor, Cllr Jonathan Bourbon, who has done a great job as my Deputy over the past year, and was duly elected – I know he will do Bridport proud.

And so the next era begins…..