November 2024

24 November 2024

Relatively quiet week! Visited the Wimborne Rugby Club as this is a Town Council asset with planned changes afoot. Did an hour with a Colehill Girl Guide pack in the Council Chamber about the Mayor’s role.  We did a number of activities: name game using the tri-cornered Mayor’s hat; frozen pictures in pairs showing what the Mayor does; group, acting scenes of the Mayor in action; answered 30 questions about being Mayor! A great group of young citizens who were really interested in local democracy. They suggested that we should research a Poole initiative whereby shops and businesses display a badge offering a safe haven for anyone lost, vulnerable or needing safety. Watch this space!

Tuesday was the Finance committee where we agreed the 2025-26 budget with much discussion. Today has a Mayoral Walk round the town -, thanks to Malcolm Angel who does a sterling job here

17 November 2024

Remembrance Sunday was a moving and heartfelt day for Wimborne. We were privileged to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset and our MP, Vicky Slade. The service was packed with people standing and the parade included many, many groups. The laying of the wreaths was also moving and we are blessed with beautiful buildings and an attractive Minster Green to host events such as this. Monday was Armistice Day and again we lay wreaths to remember those who gave their lives – the roll call included women for the first time and took a full 15 minutes. Tuesday saw a working group starting work on a Youth Service for Wimborne and the School Council later that day covered many issues – transport and road safety; what to do with the defunct telephone boxes in The Square; drawing up a list of shops and services the students would like in the town. On Thursday I opened the new McCarthy Stone’s Old Market Village complex along with Charlie Dimmock. Friday was the Mayor’s Skittles Night at The Coach and Horses – great fun for those attending and we raised over £300 for the Mayor’s Fund. Saturday was the Blandford Civic Day (where all the Mayors all meet up in one town) and we saw the restorations to the Corn Exchange and clambered into the roof of the parish church!

10 November 2024

Last Monday 4 November, was the Mayor’s Charity Dinner at Rosemary the fairly new Turkish restaurant in Wimborne. 40 people attended and a good night was had by all – we raised around £800 for the Mayor’s charities due to the generosity of the guests, the restaurant and Bertie’s shop who sponsored the evening. Jimmy Glass said a few words about Bertie’s – Manager of Wimborne Town Football Club. Tuesday saw two committee meetings: Planning and HR. The new councillors are now contributing well at meetings. Thursday was a presentation evening for Planet Wimborne and I loved rewarding Linda Bunting with a small gift – she is a phenomenal Chair of Planet Wimborne with so much energy, great ideas and she follows things through. Saturday 9 November, was a Charities’ Fair at the Allendale community  Centre with around 30 groups attending – great atmosphere and another success for Anthony Oliver and Wimborne in Bloom. Sunday was Remembrance Sunday – parade through the Town, service at The Minster and walk past afterwards with the Lord Lieutenant. Marvellous occasion.

3 November 2024

Last Sunday 27 October, we enjoyed a service at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Blandford to celebrate the Dorset Legal Services. Judges in wigs, the High Sheriff and many Mayors with a generous reception  afterwards at the Crown Hotel.  On Tuesday 29 October I chaired the Town Council’s monthly meeting where we voted to submit an Expression of Interest to be the Dorset Town of Culture in 2026. I know some people are concerned about the cost commitment to host this event (£30,000) but if we are successful it is estimated that £100,000 will be generated for the town from the additional footfall the events will attract and put Wimborne Minster firmly on the Dorset map. On Monday 4th November welcomes a Mayoral event to raise money for charity: a Mediterranean Dinner at Rosemary which should be an enjoyable night and so far I have raised approximately £1600 for my nominated charities “Planet Wimborne” & “Wimborne Victoria Hospital”.