Breathe

This morning I was invited by Breathe to have my photo taken as part of their upcoming 'Best of Newbury' Exhibition.

It is the first time I've had my picture taken in a studio, and it was interesting. Breathe have been around for about a year, just outsidet the village of Leckhampstead, north of Newbury. They take pictures for weddings and do the most original school portraits I've seen - but only do small schools because it would take to long to take several hundred quality portraits. Thats a shame for most of us with children at larger schools!

The exhibition will be on at the Corn Exchange in November - should be very entertaining, as they have taken pictures of Newbury people from all walks of life.

Patient Information Point AGM

I went to the PIP AGM last night at the Newbury Community Hospital. The Patient Information Point is opposite the reception desk of the hospital and provides information on all sorts of health matters to anyone who is interested; mostly outpatients, but also health professionals and anyone who needs to find out more about an illness or condition they or a relative/friend suffers from.

Its a wonderful resource, staffed by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, open on weekday mornings and a couple of afternoons.

Open Space Pre-School

This morning I went along to Open Space Pre-School's open day. The pre-school for 3 an 4 year olds is situated in the middle of Northcroft recreation ground, close to the leisure centre.

Prospective parents, existing pupils and siblings were all enjoying the sunshine, bouncy castle and sports races. I was the chair of the pre-school about 7 years ago, so it was great to see it still going strong, and with Louise still there as supervisor. The new chair told me their main concern was falling numbers, possibly the after effects of the millennium baby boom! They have just had a new spot-check style Ofsted inspection which they passed with flying colours.

In the photo its me on the left, then Louise Voller, supervisor, and Anne Marie Davitt, chair with her sons.

The High Sheriff's Garden Party

Last night was a perfect summers evening for a garden party, and Padworth College's terrace was the perfect setting.

My predecessors had told me it would be fun, as it is a unique opportunity to meet the other Mayors of Berkshire and compare chains of office (especially fun since ours is the best!). They weren't wrong - it was a good evening, and its very easy to socialise when people keep coming up and asking where you're from. They assume I must be the most important person there, but of course I'm not! Left to right in the picture is the Alex, the Mayor of Thatcham, me, the Mayor of Reading, and the Mayor of Bracknell Town. I also met the chair of Wokingham, and the Mayor of Bracknell Forsest. I only discovered afterwards that John Madejeski was there too - my boss at work will be disappointed that I missed the chance to say hello to him, as he is a massive Reading Football fan!

My consort Stuart was pleased that some of his Gardner Leader colleagues were there - they sponsor the Mock Trials at the magistrates court each year for secondary school pupils, and the High Sheriff is always involved in these.

Vodafone Think Big Final

This afternoon at the Vodafone pavilion students from five of West Berkshires secondary schools took part in the final of a competition that has been going on since the autumn.

The West Berkshire Education Business Partnership has been running competitions amongst year 10 pupils in Park House, Willink, Theale Green, Downs and Trinity schools, - each group of students had to think up a revolutionary new project in the year 2020, develop marketing strategies, a five year plan and financial projection as part of a business plan. I was very impressed at their presentations, and didn't envy the judges task of choosing a winner. The products they dreamt up were: the I-span (a multi use gadget with WiFi connection), Edipack (edible food packaging), the Eyepic Camera (a contact lens that takes photos), the Vendawave (vending machine for instant hot meals), and the I-Dream (record your dreams and watch them later!). The winners were Willink School with the Vendawave, and Park House won best presentation, and Theale Green were highly commended.

Students from Trinity are pictured, resplendent in their sashes.

Arts Award Launch

I 've had a few days off - but I've been busy today!
The new Arts Award was launched in West Berkshire this afternoon at the Corn Exchange. West Berkshire Council Arts Co-ordinator Angela Turton put on a show for several hundred arts people to explain the possibilities of the new award, and persuade them to get involved as mentors for 11-25 year olds.

This is a new national award scheme, along similar lines to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, but catering for all abilities. We saw demonstrations of singing, drumming (Welford and Wickham primary school - excellent!), dancing and video editing amongst others. This could be a fantastic opportunity for young people - I hope it is taken up by many.

Art in Church

Last Friday evening I went along to the Art in Church exhibition at St Mary's Church, Speen. I bumped into Mayors Mosaic artist Paul Forsey and his family on the way in, and we looked around the exhibition together.

Organisers Amanda Tipple and Nuala Whales have hit on a great way to exhibit amateur art in a beautiful setting and raise money for church funds simultaneously. This is the third such exhibition they have held.

As Amanda showed us around I saw a picture out of the corner of my eye entitled 'Guess Who?' and thought 'surely not?', but yes, it was me! Amanda had painted me as the Mayor - fast work as I've only been in post a month. I bought the picture and have hung it in the Mayor's parlour - I was very flattered.

Community Furniture Project

in case any of you noticed that I seem to have been slacking lately, I thought I'd explain I've had a few days away with my fellow trustees and the Chief Exec of the Community Furniture Project. Whilst not a Mayoral engagement, it is my charity for the year.

We all went to Peterborough to have a look at one of the biggest recycling and re-use projects in the country, called Compass. Like us they sell donated furniture, and have woodworking, upholstery and electrical workshops, but they also have a scrap store, four community shops and a new warehouse where they dismantle old computers and even granulate the plastic ready for recycling as new garden furniture etc. We have come home full of enthusiasm and ideas for the future direction of our own project - our next job is to agree a new 5 year plan.

Kennet District Scout Council AGM

I went along to the Kennet District AGM at Park House School last night. I have a particular interest in the Scout movement as both my sons are Scouts - with 3rd Newbury.

There were written reports, illustrated with photos of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at various activities. The District Commissioner Nigel Sayers also gave a report, highlighting the best bits of the year - one of which was a mass enrolment of 21 Beavers in one night at Wash Common (its no surprise the District has seen an increase in numbers over the last 12 months!)

The overall impression was that a large number of boys (and girls!) aged 6 to 18 are having a lot of fun thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of dedicated leaders. Whilst its good to hear that the district managed to replace all the leaders that left, they could still do with many more; for instance there are enough would- be Beavers on the waiting list to start up three colonies overnight if the volunteers were to be found. From my own experience I think the leaders often have as much fun as the kids in some of the activities.

Choral Evensong

At six O'Clock this evening I attended the Choral Evensong to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Queen at St Nicolas Church. The choir was at full strength, and there was a brass section to give extra oomph to the hymns and anthems (which meant I could sing even louder than usual and not be heard!).

The highlight for me was 'Zadok the Priest', an anthem sung at every coronation since King Edgar's in 973, but more recently (since 1727!) sung to Handel's music - just hearing it makes you picture the archbishop holding the crown above the young queens head. I had a fantastic view of the guest organist (Mr Bowie) playing the long introduction to the anthem, and best of all could see his feet tap-dancing on the pedals; something I've loved to watch since seeing the introduction to the film of The Bostonians.

Afterwards I spoke to the High Sheriff of Berkshire and his wife and told them how much I'm looking forward to going to their garden party that is coming up shortly.

Rise and Fall - Arts on the Towpath

I was honoured to be asked to attend the presentation of this year's Open Studios family learning project. Children from three local schools, and their relations, were lucky enough to work together with three local artists - Julieann Worrall Hood, Sarah Moorcroft and William Wollen.

Since March they have spent time at Newbury Lock; cruising through Kintbury Lock on the 'Rose of Hungerford'; at the Globe Theatre in London; and at workshops for willow sculpture and silk screen printing. This all culminated today in a performance by all 40 participants and the aritists by the Ebb and Flow sculpture by Newbury Lock. They had made billowing sail boats from willow and tissue paper, and beautiful silk screen prints of their surroundings. These artworks were incorporated with excerpts from plays by Shakespeare all on the theme of Rise and Fall. Several young trumpeters played a fanfare from the roof of the Tower of St Nics Church, overlooking the canal. The audience were treated to several interactive experiences, including a short trip through Newbury Lock on the 'Rose of Hungerford'.

I think the audience were amazed - especially the public who happened to be at the right place at the right time! Congratulations to everyone involved, especially Pat Eastop who made the whole thing happen.

West Berkshire Volunteer Centre AGM

Last night I attended the West Berkshire Volunteer Centre AGM at the Town Hall. It was good to see so many familiar faces there. I was the Town Council rep on the board of trustees for a couple of years, so know quite a bit about this very worthwhile organisation.

We heard about the increase in the number of volunteers since the previous year, - many of these through corporate volunteering, which is heartening. The good work with Shopmobility goes from strength to strength, but they plan a publicity drive on the Handybus as it could be used more.

Following the usual reports from the chair and director, we had an entertaining presentation on the volunteer rapid response scheme from an enthusiastic ambulanceman called Ian. He used the dignatories on the top table to demonstrate the bits of kit given to trained volunteers to save the lives of heart attack victims. The volunteer centre have already found 30 volunteers to be trained to do this very valuable work, but need many more. The aim is to have a committed group of volunteers in each village of West Berkshire, who can be the first on the scene for anyone who has a heart attack in their community - every minute after an attack is so valuable that this voluntary work can literally save lives.

Document House

Last night I was kindly asked to open the newest bar in Newbury, Document House in Wharf Street.

I'm in the photo with my husband Stuart on my right, and friends Ian and Rachel Haslam, and Seona Myerscough on the right. We were all thoroughly impressed - having waited years (literally) for the building works to be finished - what a transformation! Stuart remembers going there to drop off and collect legal documents when it was the local DX (document exchange) - hence the unusual name; back then there were holes in the roof and pidgeons roosting! The decor is stylish whilst sympathetic to the lovely old building. The upstairs room is especially worth a visit, with its atmospheric beams and comfy leather sofas.

The manager Peter Byrne and the chef were very welcoming, and the food was delicious. There is a unique 'grazing' menu, which is designed for sharing. The food is varied, eg sushi, scallops, crispy duck parcels, and rare roast beef. I don't think there is anything else quite like it locally, so I really hope it will be popular. It was refreshing to be in a smokefree environment, where you could hold a conversation around the table without shouting.

And yes, - I did go in the famous double ladies loo, - but by myself! Poor Rod (my attendant for the evening) was teased that he'd have to go in with me to keep an eye on the chain!

Mike Caldwell's Funeral

This afternoon I attended Mike Caldwell's funeral at St Nic's church. I had only met Mike a few times, but in his job of director of communications at Vodafone, he has been a well known face in the town for many years, and very supportative of the Mayors office.

I found out much more about him today; how he'd been very happily married for 30 years, with three grown up children - one of his daughters gave a lovely eulogy; how he had a good social life with numerous close friends; and of course about his impressive career - starting out with a night shift in a bakery.

St Nic's is big, but it was full. He had been ill, but his death must have been a shock to many - he would have been 53 today.

Soroptomists 50th Birthday lunch

This weekend the Newbury branch of Soroptomist International celebrated their 50th anniversary, and I was invited to their lunch at the Regency Park Hotel, in Thatcham.

76 people sat down to a three course meal, followed by a speach from Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (more commonly known as Emma Nicholson, MEP for this region since 1999).

The Soroptomists have to be one of the biggest international organisations that many people have never heard of! They have 90,000 members in 126 countries, and fundraise for international, national and local good causes. They are all business or professional women who believe in doing something for the community, both by giving time to volunteer, and by fundraising. They are particulary interested in helping to advance the status of women, and lobby government, the EU and the UN in this cause.

I saw a number of familiar faces there today, women whom I know do other voluntary things in Newbury, but I didn't also know they were soroptomists. Their biggest fundraiser in Newbury is the charity pancake race and lunches on Shrove Tuesday.

In the photo you can see I'm not the only one with a pendant! I felt quite at home amongst so many other beautiful chains and pendants. Included with Emma Nicholson are the local branch president Sue Kitchener, Regional President Jane Slatter, and Federation President Ann Dawson.

Chicago Rock Cafe

Last night I went with my friend Rachel Haslam to the opening of the refurbished Chicago Rock Cafe.

The NWN photographer thought it would look good if I posed at the bar with a large cocktail - so the bar staff very kindly made one. After the photos we tried it and it was delicious! Rachel and I were shown around by the manager, Clairey. I couldn't believe the amount of work that had been done in just four weeks. The finish was good quality, and the effect quite light and airy. Apparently they are keen to move away from the nightclub image, and to encourage families during the day and early evening for their new tex-mex menu.

They have an impressive line up of performers for the next few months, including an Abba tribute band, which appeals to me! Upstairs are three American style pool tables and a bar area, and there are many high quality video screens. Its great to see companies like this investing in Newbury.

Priors Court School Walkathon

On this glorious June day I was fortunate to pop out of the office for a while to visit Priors Court School near Cheiveley. The school is in beautiful grounds, approached down an avenue of my favourite tree - beech.

Joyce, the civic manager kindly drove me there, and we met up with Anna McPhearson who took us to the walking track where the students were ready to start their three laps. I cut the ribbon to start them off (a bit of a thrill as it was my first ribbon cutting exercise!), and they were away.

I chatted to Anna and PE teacher David Neal while the students and their helpers walked and ran round the track in the sunshine. All Priors Court students are autistic, and many different techniques are employed at the school to assist with their learning. The track was marked up with different coloured posts to show the way, and after each lap the children stuck their favourite pictures (mostly Disney characters) to colourful cards to illustrate their progress.

They presented me with a beautiful basket of bizzie lizzies and fuschias grown from seed by the children. I'm looking forward to visiting again at their open day on Sunday.

Fringe Festival Mural

The mural that was painted by children at the Fringe Festival has now been put on display in the library. I went along to see it this afternoon and met members of the Fringe committee, including chairman Glenn Clarkson.

I'm in the photo with Tessa Kirby, a local artist who supervised the mural, and Mr Pauley the representative from Brewers who very generously donated the paint and the boarding onto which the mural was painted.

Tess was delighted with the finished result - I pretended to sulk as my contribution to the mural had been painted over (probably for the best!). Had it been painted by a leading artist, it would be worth a fortune. The library staff now expect many children to drag their parents along to show them their bit of the mural - it would make great office art!

Cannons Healthclub

This morning I cycled through town to be at Cannons by 9am to start their sponsored cycle ride for the British Heart Foundation. Unlike me, they were cycling on machines indoors.

Fitness instructor Roger Vogel (left in photo) organised the 12 hour marathon, and kicked it off with a colleague - luckily they weren't doing it all alone, but had a rota planned for the day. Branches of Cannons throughout the country have participated today, and hoped to cycle the equivalent of London to LA between them.