WE ARE RECRUITING
September 2024
29 September
Busy week again. On Sunday we had the third Mayoral Walk, led by Malcolm Angel and Chris Brown – inclement weather so the numbers were down on previous walks but really enjoyed by all.
On Tuesday, we had the unveiling of the Town Hall Crest, hanging outside the building. The new crest was designed and made by Bella Bijou, a student at the Arts University – we are very grateful for her excellent work. A Full Council meeting followed the unveiling: Bill Jaggs was co-opted onto the Council; Jimmy Glass from Wimborne Football Club made a presentation; various reports and motions were carried.
On Friday, we attended the AGM of 2nd Wimborne Scouts to present Chief Scout Awards and also give the Mayor’s Scout sash to a plucky volunteer (Madeliene Morris) who will accompany us at formal events. Today is a wet Sunday and we will be walking round Wimborne on a Tree Trail, led by Councillor Bill Richmond. Let’s hope for improved weather!
Photograph courtesy of Paul Gotobed 2nd Wimborne Scout Leader. In the photograph, the Town Mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart congratulates Madeleine Morris on being nominated as the Mayor’s Scout and also Wimborne 2nd Scout Group.
22 September
Today sees the third Mayoral Walk round Wimborne, led by Malcolm Angel and Chris Brown. People are really appreciative of these occasions – to hear more about the quirks, history and making of the town. They are proving very popular with over 100 at the last one.
On Tuesday, Neil Wedge, CEO of Dorset Association of Town and Parish Councils (DAPTC), led a two hour training session for councillors and officers of the Council. He usefully stressed the responsibilities of councillors and talked us through council working with lots of relevant examples. There is a lot of training available online or in person for councillors and Neil did a great job in alerting particularly new councillors of their role and duties.
Before the training we met with Mike Bennett who heads up Youth Services in Dorset. A member of the Council’s School Council from Corfe Hills School also attended. Mike usefully talked us through the possible ways to establish a Youth Service in Wimborne and the student stressed the vital need for a local youth provision. We will take this forward through the School Council’s next meeting on October 15th.
Finally, this week, Councillor Rod Nash formally opened the Fair Trade Fortnight on the Minster Green with lots of events planned over the next two weeks.
The recent Town Trail proved to be a hit with the more than 30 participants. They loved following clues around Wimborne and answering questions that covered the history, geography and features of the town. The event raised more than £300 for the Mayor’s charities – Wimborne Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne. Many businesses in the town contributed raffle prizes and this raised £73. The winners by a slim margin were a team consisting of Viv and Dave Arkell and Sue and Stewart Bullen who were awarded a bottle of Taittinger’s champagne. Jeff Hart said, ‘Thanks to all those who took part in the Town Trail. We were blessed by the weather and everyone seemed to really enjoy poring over Wimborne’s features.
Image shows Viv and Dave Arkell receiving their winning prize from the Town Mayor,Cllr Jeff Hart
15 September
On Wednesday, we attended a ‘Civic Day’ in Bridport. Each Mayor in Dorset organizes a Civic Day, where fellow Mayors gather to explore and learn about their town. Bridport is a charming place – we visited West Bay and saw special wheelchairs designed for use on the beach and even in the sea. We also toured the Discovery Centre, which showcases the town’s history, enjoyed a delightful lunch, visited a museum featuring a rope-making demonstration, and attended presentations by local groups such as Youth Community Services, Home Start, and an adult literacy project. It was wonderful to connect with so many Mayors. In Wimborne, we’ll be hosting other Town Mayor’s on April 9, 2025
8 September
Caught a holiday week in Malta – lovely! Not what we expected – historic, hot and delightful people.
Attended the Militia Weekend on Saturday and heard an interesting talk on the Battle of Monmouth. Chris Brown and his team have worked so hard and successfully to present many aspects of the past and military experiences. The rain poured but spirits remained high!
On the Sunday, we attended the blessing of standards which was a good photographic event as Cannon Andrew Rowland blessed the newly formed Austrian arm of the Militia as the fame of Wimborne being the “centre of the universe” (quote from musician Robert Fripp) has once again reached central Europe!