WE ARE RECRUITING
22 December
It’s the busiest time of the year for a Mayor!
Monday 16 December: All the Town Councillors enjoyed a delightful evening at The Lion Hotel.
Tuesday 17 December: The inaugural Working Group meeting for the Jubilee Physik Garden took place, focused on revitalising the gardens behind the Town Hall. That evening, a full council meeting covered a packed agenda, including discussions on a Youth Service for Wimborne, a grant application, a planning issue, and the Town of Culture bid. The latter dominated the evening, as councillors expressed enthusiasm for its benefits but wanted to review the final application before submission. To accommodate this, an extraordinary full council meeting has been scheduled for January 21.
Wednesday 18 December: The Dorset Police Carol Service at The Minster was a highlight, featuring stirring carols and an inspiring address by the Chief Constable.
Friday 20 December: Due to poor weather, Carols in the Cornmarket moved to The Minster. Antony Oliver, who organises this annual event with great care, brought together the Broadstone Community Band, beloved carols, a reading by me from Luke, and a beautiful poem written and recited by De Ashton.
Saturday 21 December: The Mayor’s Charity Collection in The Square was a lively success, with the Quarterjack Marching Band, a big tombola, and enthusiastic volunteers shaking collection tins. I’m thrilled to say we likely raised over £400 for the Mayor’s Charities – a fantastic achievement!
15 December
Well, I think it is all building up to one thing! Attended the Xmas ‘thank you’ to volunteers at Victoria Hospital and shop at The Little Pickle – A wonderful choir was performing and singing carols. Committee meeting on Tuesday was Community, Events and Liaison where we supported the Town of Culture bid going to the Full Council. The positives of this bid are clear: more footfall in the town to help businesses; people who don’t normally experience the Arts can do so; existing Arts groups will be boosted; this will help put Wimborne on the Dorset map; up to £170K of additional funding coming into the town. On Wednesday we celebrated 50 years of The Nationwide in the Square with lovely cakes and bucks fizz. On Friday. We went to watch the lovely Xmas production at St John’s First School – all the school in the play; real concentration as the children remembered their lines; beautiful choreography and tuneful singing – many thanks. Saturday was the “Save the Children parade” through the town. We headed up the parade in a 51 year-old Triumph Dolomite, protected by the Militia! The town was packed – Susie & John Gatrell do a great job every year organising this event.
7 December
Quiet week for once! Went with the Town Crier to open the Wimborne Wine Society’s Christmas celebration at Cloisters. Over 40 wine-lovers meet monthly to imbibe and discuss the merits of fine wines. Hosted the first meeting of the Town of Culture Steering Group – good representation from The Minster, Museum, National Trust, Walford Mill, Model Town, etc. Good meeting – everyone excited about the possibility of up to £200K coming into the Town in 2026 with a bold programme of Arts & Cultural events. We met with the Director of the scheme online to get some tips and advice. Sunday saw a Civic Day where all the Dorset Mayors descend on one Town, in this case Verwood. Fun time had by all!
1 December
Another busy week! Full Council on Tuesday where we approved the 2025-6 budget and dealt with many other items. On Wednesday we hosted the Mayor’s Brunch at The Olive Branch: around 180 adults and children were involved; we raised around £200 for the Mayor’s charities; after a delicious breakfast, we had 4 performances from Jublilate, St Michael’s Middle, QE Upper and Dumpton School. There was a truly community spirit present at the Brunch and the Town Crier added to the merriment. Friday saw the Town Liaison Group with a brief presentation from Jimmy Glass about Wimborne Town Football Club and Ashley Rowlands on U3A. Saturday was Christmas Lights Switch-on event! The Square was packed as the people watched several singing and dancing groups perform on a stage with a fantastic huge screen above. BID also arranged a great Market in a High Street car park – great use of the space. At 4.30 children switched on the lights: the Mayor’s Scout, Madeleine and the two winners of the poster competition, Alice & Jemima and Finlay, the grandson of Gary Mason – who brilliantly managed the whole event
