Mayors December/January Crier Article
October and November have been very busy months in the Mayor’s diary: I am so pleased I am now able to represent the town at so many important events for the community.
In mid-October I attended Holsworthy Mayor’s Charity Ball which was an evening to remember, as it was a chance to dress up for the first time in ages. The Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr Helen Parker, hosted the event to raise money for Blood Cancer UK and Cancer Research charities. I was delighted to be joined at this event by my granddaughter who attended as my consort.
On the 26th October the opening of a Silent Space for people living with dementia and memory loss in the Secret Memorial Garden was a truly enlightening moment. Chris Porter’s wish became reality when I unveiled the new sign helped by Chris’s husband Colin. The Dementia Friendly Community working group and volunteer gardeners have made this spot a silent haven for anyone looking for peace and tranquillity.
On the 28th October I joined the very lively Children’s Expressive Arts Extravaganza in the Pannier Market which had been organised by the Town Council. Entertainers had the youngsters spellbound, and they were in full voice during the Punch and Judy Show and the Magician’s set.
I was delighted to be invited by the Scouts to attend their Coffee Morning at the end of October to open their newly refurbished kitchen, which was partially funded by a donation to the Scouts from previous Mayor, Cllr Keeley Allin. A long way from my memories of sitting cross legged in the grass and cooking on an open fire, the new kitchen in the Scout Hut sported induction hobs and extractors. The Cubs had yummy cakes on their stall, and a wealth of craft tables lined the very fresh-looking hall.
On the 2nd November I attended a Low Carbon Future Workshop at Caddsdown which really opened my eyes to even more opportunities for us to help address climate change in Great Torrington.
That same afternoon I joined the Torrington 100 Community Fayre in the Town Hall which was a resounding success with so many organisations showing up, visitors were spoilt for choice. The Mariners Away shanty singers entertained us throughout the event, and there was evidence of a lot of foot tapping in the crowd….
The funeral of a former Town Councillor Jim Thacker took place on Wednesday 10th. Cllr Mills and I were pleased to be able to attend the service at the crematorium on behalf of the Town Council.
At this time of year, it is important to reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. To that end, on 11th November at 11:00 on the anniversary of Armistice Day, I laid a wreath on behalf of the town at our War Memorial to honour the fallen and I will be attending the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service on 14th November.
I continue to be involved in plans to redevelop The Globe which is looking very positive. Torridge District Council, who are leading this project, will be providing an update on progress to the community in due course.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and healthy Christmas on behalf of all of us at the Town Council and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Christmas Lights Switch-on event in the town square on Saturday 27th November at 6:30pm.