Waterways Festival

Yesterday was the 11th annual Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's Waterways Festival in Victoria Park.

The festival was opened by Wyn Gould, the widow of John who lead the campaign to restore the canal many years ago. Wyn told me yesterday that her late husband had instigated the first Waterways Festival, and I remember attending it, heavily pregnant with my second son Louis. The photo shows Wyn and I in the park just after the official opening.

I walked around the stalls, having a go at the coconut shy (useless) and a lucky dart stall (more successful!) not to mention a few tombolas.

My brother and his three daughters also came - he was more successful with the coconuts!

I then helped the Trust chairman to judge the best decorated canal boat - which was tough as they had made a good effort with flowers, bunting, balloons and fairy lights. The prize went to the Amber Moon.

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Barbeque

Last night Stuart and I attended the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's barbeque at the stone building on the wharf. This is held every year the night before the waterways festival. We also brought Theo and Louis along, and we all enjoyed the food.

We sat by the canal and admired the narrow boats moored four and five abreast, decorated with flags and flowers. There will be a best dressed boat competition tomorrow.

The canal is one of Newburys greatest assets, and it is lovely to see it celebrated each year by the trust. Narrowboat enthusiasts come from far and wide, and I'm looking forward to the festival tomorrow as there will be many unusual stalls to look at. Stuart and I have been canal enthusiasts for years, since we had a number of narrow boat holidays in the 1980's, and one last year.

Donnington Grove Charity Golf Day

I also came home briefly to attend the charity golf day that was organised by Donnington Grove Country Club on Thursday. Eighteen teams of four played golf for the day, then had dinner at the hotel on the site.

I was presented with a cheque for £1,600 for my charities, the Mayors Benevolent Fund, and the Community Furniture Project. I was delighted that Donnington Grove and Kick FM thought of asking me if they could give the proceeds to my charities. I know how much effort goes into fundraising, and this was a wonderful amount to receive out of the blue. It was also the first time I had been to this golf course -it is a beautiful place, and a lovely Georgian crenelated country house is now used as a hotel and restaurant. The day was perfect - it didn't rain despite distant thunder rumbling.

Full Council Meeting

I've just returned from a weeks holiday in Bournemouth, which I interrupted to come back and chair my first Full Council meeting on Monday 24 July.

We had presentations from the police and from the Town Centre Management Steering Group Chair, Peter Atkinson. We also had a large number of people present to receive grant cheques for their organisations.

Speenhamland School

Yesterday afternoon I went along to Speenhamland School to show years 3 and 4 my Mayoral outfit and chain, and talk to them about Newbury, its history and the Town Council.

It was very hot but the children were well behaved, and asked me all sorts of questions about the council, Newbury and being Mayor. At the end some of them had a chance to dress up as Councillors, Mace Bearers and even as the Mayor!

WBEBP Awards

The West Berkshire Education Business Partnership presented awards to local employers today at the restaurant of the Watermill Theatre.

There were quite a few awards handed out to different categories of companies who have worked with the WBEBP over the year. Most were in connection with work experience offered to secondary children in year 10, but some are for sixth form placements. The partnership places about 2,000 children a year with local firms and charities and is always looking for new companies to join the scheme.

The photo shows the winners with the Chief Executive of the WBEBP and me in the garden of the Watermill Theatre. I was particularly pleased to present an award to my charity of the year, the Community Furniture Project!

Newbury in Bloom - Part Two

Phew! Today was certainly the busiest so far - the hottest day of the year and I was on the go from 9am to 6pm. With fellow judge John Winterbourne we visited 16 premises today, amongst them two nurseries, two schools, a community garden, the Racecourse and two allotments, not to mention private gardens! I admit I missed a few out whilst doing my two other engagements at the Town Hall in the morning, but it still seemed a long hot day.

Sue and Karen from the office came round with us (Sue in the morning, Karen in the afternoon), and took photos of every entry, which will be shown at the prizegiving in September.

We saw many lovely gardens - the dedication of some gardeners is amazing. One entrant confessed to spending FOUR hours a day watering!! This hosepipe ban is certainly keeping people fit.

Pictured is Danny Blyth of Southby's Allotments in his unique plot which is a tribute to Italy - all Italian veg, much grown from seed acquired when on holiday.

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

Today I was invited to receive a certificate on behalf of the town of Newbury from the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity.

Newbury was nominated to receive the award from the only owner of a hearing dog in Newbury, who was pleased with the way the people of Newbury had been so welcoming to her dog Wizard. Not suprisingly Wizard is a lovely dog. He tells his owner when the phone rings, when someone is at the door and even wakes her in the morning!

Enborne School

This morning the entire junior department of Enborne School visited the Town Hall. There were 36 pupils and four teachers. I wore the full Mayoral outfit and the children seemed genuinely interested as I told them about the Newbury Town Crest, the chain and what the Town Council is responsible for.

Although the school is in a neighbouring parish, about half the children live in Newbury, and seem to know the town well - they identified 5 of our 6 allotment sites! The highlight was definitely when they dressed up as councillors and mace bearers. They loved the maces and several of them found possible ancestors amongst the Mayors names on the walls. Anyone reading this who would like to see the names of past Mayors of Newbury can find them on the Town Council website: www.newbury.gov.uk.

WBDA AGM

Yesterday evening I attended the West Berkshire Disability Alliance AGM at the United Reform Church Hall in Newbury.

I like the way they started the meeting, by passing around their microphone and asking everyone in the room to introduce themselves. This was primarily for the benefit of the several blind members, but everyone benefits from knowing who is there, and the groups they represent.

The chairman's report highlighted all the consultation exercises the group is asked to undertake - many for the district council, but for other organisations too. They are certainly kept busy.

I was asked to present the first WBDA Member of the Year award to Roy Smith, one of their blind members - I also got to put a medal on his lovely labrador guide dog!

Trinity School Key Stage Three Awards

I left the other Newbury in Bloom judges shortly after lunch to go over to Trinity School for their key stage 3 presentation event. I had another reason to be there - my eldest Theo was receiving an award, and I didn't know what for until I arrived. He had a special award for being one of the three pupils with the most commendations - I'm very proud of him.

The students all looked pleased with themselves - justly so - its good to give them public recognition early in their school careers rather than just leaving it to the end. Pictured is Katy Byng, the first winner of the Community Spirit Award. Katy is involved in many things outside school such as working for Oxfam, helping with Girls Brigade, a member of Newbury Young Peoples Council and much more besides. Its super to recognise that life outside school is just as important.

Newbury in Bloom

Today and tomorrow I will be judging the Newbury in Bloom gardening competition with John Winterbourne and Frances Berry. We visited the premises in the Southern part of Newbury today, and will be doing the Northern half of the town tomorrow. It is so hot at the moment, that my car measured 42 degrees this afternoon! At least all the gardeners have a common problem with the hosepipe ban.

Speenhamland School Fete

I went along to open Speenhamland School Fete for 1pm.

It was lovely to be able to walk around and have a go on the stalls and take it easy, because for the last six years I have run a stall, and not had a chance to be a member of the public. Theo and Louis came along too, and had fun hanging out with their friends, drinking coke eating cake and sweets - no wonder he couldn't eat his tea.

Caroline Pratten, chair of the PTA was exhausted at the end, but it had all gone well. I hope they raised plenty of money for the school!

Territorial Army Recruitment Day

I was back at the Denison Barracks this morning for the recruitment day. The guests were given an overview of how the TA at these barracks fitted into the big picture - their headquarters are in Ewell in Surrey - before being let loose to try our hand at forklift truck manouvres and shooting.

I was unable to stay the whole day, which was a shame as I missed out on the forklift trucks - but I did try my hand at the shooting, as you can see in the picture. I wasn't really dressed for lying on the floor with a large gun! They lent me a camouflage jacket, but I still didn't quite feel the part. I took my turn alongside Graham Hunt, the Chief Exec of the Town Council, who brought his wife and youngest daughters. The girls were too young to shoot (you have to be 14), so they took the pictures for me instead. Sad to say, my target shooting left a lot to be desired, but I made the soldiers laugh when I pointed out I only hit the target when I was aiming for the one next to it!

Castle School Fete

Yesterday my attendant Carol collected Stuart, Theo and I and took us to the Castle School fete. It was held at 6pm for the first time, which seemed an odd time to hold this kind of event, but actually worked very well. There was an excellent turn out.

I introduced the school choir, who sang and signed three songs, including their very own school song. I met several people I know there, including one who owns a number of vintage cars which were brought along for display.

I bought some lovey herbaceous perennials (hard to resist, though I will have to water them now!) and a bargain book for Mum to read on holiday.

Home-Start West Berkshire AGM

Today was the 9th AGM of Home-Start West Berkshire. I remember reading about this charity when it came to Newbury, I can't believe it was nine years ago.

Home-Start is a national charity with simple aim of helping families with young children by pairing them up with parent volunteers. Locally we have about 40 volunteers who last year supported 75 familes with 196 children between them. Life with young children can be stressful at times as all parents know, but many families have added pressures to cope with, for example having handicapped children, being lone parents, having three or four young children, or a parent suffering mental health problems.

I really admire the volunteers of Home-Start, they give up a few hours a week, sometimes more, to support a family and have to be non-judgemental, which must be hard at times. There are also two drop in sessions held each week, one in Burghfield and the other at Greenham.

Sadly there are more families needing support than there are volunteers, so if you know anyone who is interested (all volunteers receive training) ring 01635 500860.

Beating of the Retreat

Last night I went along to the Beating of the Retreat at Denison Barracks, Hermitage, as a guest of the members of the officers' Mess. There was a cocktail party first where Stuart and I chatted to guests and found out that the barracks was also a college for the army, navy, airforce and many overseas students. There are almost as many academic staff as there are military.

The band of the Corps of Royal Engineers beat the retreat as the sun was going down on a very pleasant summers evening. They were immaculately turned out and completely in step - weaving some complicated patterns as they paraded and played. They played 12 tunes in all, including the corp's own tune, 'Hurrah for the CRE', which I attempted to sing along to, but got a bit lost as the lyrics became more obscure, e.g. 'Oshta, oshta, oshta, oshta. Ikona malee, picaninny skoff'

Wisecrackers Final

This week's Newbury Comedy Festival was started last night with the Wisecrackers final. Young people from 11 to 18 took part; they came from Reading, Caversham, Farnborough and Hungerford - sadly none from Newbury - we'll have to rectify that next year!!

I was amazed at the confidence of the participants. I went along with the whole family, and we all had a good evening. A number of the acts had brought along fans from school or college, so there was much good natured cheering and heckling (the latter was reserved for the professional comedians, of which there were three, who had been mentoring the finalists to improve their comedy skills).

The judges had a very tough job choosing one winner (£100 personal prize, and £500 for their school), they argued it out for 20 minutes, but settled on Christian Robertson, a 15 year old from Caversham. Theo and Louis (my sons) were pleased, as he was their favourite, with jokes about mushy peas and supermarket shopping. All the material was original and the six acts encompassed many different styles of comedy. I hope this event takes off in a big way next year, I shall certainly be attempting to talk some people into entering!

Victoria Park Schools Project

This afternoon I helped to judge the results of a days business studies project at the Town Hall.

The West Berkshire Education Business Partnership teamed up with several schools for a one day project about the future of Victoria Park. Today year ten students from Trinity School had learnt about the history of the park, been to look around at the existing facilities, and surveyed the users. They then worked in four teams of six to produce a plan for the future, including facilities, events and a marketing strategy. They came up with some great ideas, eg having state of the art skateboarding and BMX facilities and holding major competitions, having evening dances and balls, building a sensory garden covered by a dome, holding a culture festival and having barbeque facilities. Their ideas will be added to other market research being done by the Town Council's consultants to produce a plan for the future of the park.

I was pleased that the students like Victoria Park and feel some ownership of it.

The Mayor's Drive and Tea Party

Well, yesterday was the 'big one' in the Mayor of Newbury's calendar. I went along to Fair Close Day Centre with Joyce at 9.30am and met the volunteers who were already assembling 350 cardboard boxes for the picnic teas. My Deputy Adrian also came along, and about ten of us spent the next few hours assmebling the boxes and then filling them with cakes, sausage rolls and scones.

At 2pm I met up with Stuart, Adrian and Carol in the Town Hall and we gathered umbrellas (it had been raining steadily all day till that point!), the Mayor's robes and chain and some tea cups and headed off for the venue - Oak Ash Farm in Chaddleworth.

Mr and Mrs Griffith-Jones had kindly donated the use of their grounds and gardens for this years drive. The elderly of the town started to arrive at 2.45pm (there are always some early ones!), and soon the field in front of the house was filled with cars - well over a hundred I should think. I set to meeting all the elderly (all guests live in Newbury and are 75 or older) I spent two hours chatting to them and the dozens of volunteer drivers who had brought them. I got rather warm in the robes, and met some lovely people. It tried to rain a few times, but we sat it out with umbrellas (very British!). I found out this tradition started 60 years ago, they needed to gather ration coupons for the first few years. Jack Hole was there, he was one of the founders of the Drive, and Mayor in 1951 - probably the only living ex-mayor to have an enamelled crest on the chain of office. At 97 he was one of a few to be awarded a prize for being the oldest there!

The picture is of me presenting Ruby with flowers, for being one of two one hundred year olds at the drive.

This event has been organised for the last three decades by the wonderful Angela Spellman, who has enlisted some lovely volunteers who help each year.

Reception for Kiskunfelegyhaza Guests

After today's carnival, I hosted a reception for the guests from Kiskunfelegyhaza and their host families at the Town Hall. We had scones with jam and cream! They are lovely people, and have had a good time here this weekend by all accounts. The Town Councillors and staff from the float were also celebrating their win at the carnival!

Picture is of the dancers from Kiskunfelegyhaza at Victoria Park earlier in the day.

Newbury Carnival

Well, I thought it was up there with the best of them. Fantastic turnout from participators and audience. I was one of four judges, with the Mayor of Kiskunfelegyhaza (our Twin Towns'Twin Town!) Junior Mayor Emma Legg, and a representative from Newbury Building Society, the Carnival's main sponsor.

It was obvious how much hard work had gone into the floats. I particularly liked the ones by the schools, and of course the wonderful Newbury Town Council float, but my favourite was the Classic Cars float - a brilliant recreation of the Italian Job - three minis driving up the ramp of a lorry, with the gold bars in the back!

Many congratulations to Brian Harper and the carnival committee for a fantastic Carnival - thanks guys.

Opera for All

Last night I went along to Opera for All at Newbury Racecourse. The touring company Opera Box performed Die Fledermaus in the open air. The setting was fantastic, as it had been such a warm sunny day. The audience brought folding chairs, tables and picnics and settled in for an evenings entertainment.

I sat with the Twin Town Association members who are currently hosting a delegation from Kiskunfelegyhaza, the majority of which danced and played in the opera - a wonderful added bonus for the audience. I think they are fantastic dancers - so well rehearsed, and the syncopation is fascinating.

St Joseph's School Fete

I was pleased to be asked to open the St Joseph's School summer fete on Saturday afternoon. Stalls were laid out in the hall and on the school field. I had the onerous task of judging the fancy dress and hat competition. I've never done this before, and it was tricky because the standard was high. A little lad from year one was so delightful as Donald Duck, trying to walk in bright yellow flippers, with a cushion in his tail gaving him a wonderful waddle - I had to give him first place!

I watched some of a judo display - the kids looked like they had a wonderful time rolling around on the mat. I met a few mums there I hadn't seen for a while, so it was nice to have a chat and catch up, and the head invited me back for a question and answer session, so I shall look forward to that.

The photo is of a little girl who was having a lovely messy time flag painting.