WE ARE RECRUITING
August 2024
25 August 2024
Busy week! Full council meeting on Tuesday with a lot of new councillors attending: agreed membership of the various committees; dates for the year; representatives for the Wimborne societies and interest groups. With Barbara, rehearsed the Town Trail which will happen for real on 13 September at 6pm from the Town Hall – a lovely walk round the town, following clues with a prize for whoever solves most of the clues! Plus a raffle – do all come. It costs £6 for the Mayor’s charities.
Led a Mayoral Walk round the town on Sunday – around 100 people attended! We collected £156.93 for the Mayor’s charities. Great guides – all 3 of them – Malcolm Angel, Tammy Sleet and Chris Brown who focused on the Physic Garden. I think these walks are proving popular and hope they will continue into the future – next one is September 22.
Met Tammy Sleet from the BID as we work closely together – finalising planning for the Food Festival on 14 September. On Saturday, we started the Wimborne in Bloom duck race – 1,700 entrants and lots of fun for the crowds there. Anthony Oliver and his team contribute massively to the town. Thank you.
18 August 2024
Had a great holiday in Finland last week, where I have some relatives.
This week, several things: visited Dorset Council’s Big Conversation in The Square on Friday – good idea to visit towns and gather views; had photographs taken in full robes with all the town’s Freemen and Freewomen – Diann March, Pat Hymers, Chris Brown, Anthony Oliver, Grant Bocking; second Mayoral Walk this morning, led by Tammy Sleet (Manager Wimborne BID) and Malcolm Angel; Directors’ meeting for Planet Wimborne.
Coming up is the Full Council meeting with 7 new councillors on Tuesday – we have now arranged the induction, training and mentorship for the new councillors. When I started, Carole Chedgy kindly helped me learn the ropes through coffee sessions. I am grateful to her. Simon Wheeler also encouraged me and helped establish the School Council.
4 August 2024
Chaired the Full Council meeting on Tuesday – approved three of the four applications for grants; awarded Honorary Freeman of the town to Diann March; approved writing to Dorset Council to appeal for the QE Leisure Centre to be reopened. We also agreed to have a Fish and Chip supper once the new 7 councillors are elected on 8 August! Met representatives for Volunteer Care of Dorset about supporting a new Thursday evening club for people with learning difficulties at the Olive Branch. Attended the AGM of Planet Wimborne at the Town Hall which was well attended and helped move forward the Green agenda for Wimborne. Met with the Chair of Dorset Community Action, where I am a Trustee, and Allendale Community Centre managers to liaise and plan future work. Met with Gary Mason, The Town Council’s Community Events and Liaison Officer, to plan the next few Mayoral events – great working with Gary who is well organised and hard working.