New Year News

I know its not New Year quite yet, but I've just read in the Times that Angela Spellman has been awarded an MBE. I am absolutely delighted - it couldn't go to a more deserving person.

Angela has been organising the Mayor's Drive and Tea Party for decades, and is such an enthusiastic and bubbly person. She is integral to the smooth running and family atmosphere at Fair Close Day Centre, and I'm sure everyone there will be so pleased that her years of voluntary work have been rewarded in this way.

Another great bit of news for Newbury was the record breaking solo South Pole treck by local woman Hannah McKeand who has just completed her 690 mile expedition in just 39 days. Congratulations Hannah!

More Carol Singing at the Community Hospital

Yes, I was back at the hospital again on Christmas Day, with Stuart and his parents, and Alex, the Mayor of Thatcham, to sing around the wards with the Salvation Army band.

Father Christmas was also there to hand out gift bags to every patient. They looked very jolly with their Santa hats on. As many patients as possible got out of bed, to join in with Christmas lunch in the lounge.

It is very good of the local Salvation Army to give up some time on Christmas morning to do this every year.

Carol Singing at the Community Hospital

The matron and staff of the hospital went around the wards carol singing. Alex, the Mayor of Thatcham, Richard Benyon MP and I did a bit of singing, but then went into the wards to meet the patients.

It was the first time I had been in the wards at the hospital, and I was very impressed by their cleanliness and feeling of spaciousness. The new hospital is well designed for those working and staying in it, but looks less impressive from outside - but that is often the way with modern buildings.

There are a large proportion of side rooms, and almost all the patients are elderly. Most impressive is the friendly feel of the place - the Matron and staff are very caring and kind.

I will be back there on Christmas Day for more carols with the Salvation Army.

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Christmas Drinks

Each year the Volunteer Centre has its Christmas Drinks do at the Town Hall and invites the Mayor. Garry Poulson, Director of the Centre takes the opportunity to thank the volunteers for their work. Chair of West Berkshire Council, Brian Bedwell, presented a cheque for the VCWB(his chosen charity for the year) from his charity golf day, and Newbury Building Society also presented a cheque.

The drinks do was Thursday lunch time, and Carol and I then drove to the Community Hospital for the next engagement.

Best Dressed Window presentation

On Wednesday afternoon I met up with Brian Burgess, the Newbury Retail Association Chairman to present the prizes for the best dressed window competition winner.

The outright winner was Panousha Baguettes in The Arcade - a lovely display by the owner Tracey Gerayesh of flowerpots and robins with Father Christmas. One of the runner ups was also in The Arcade - Kuva, which has only been open for five weeks, and sells photos of local scenes as calenders, jigsaws, mousemats etc, together with other interesting things. The other runner up was Barbar Ella Hairdressers of Cheap Street, who had created a Christmas Scene in their shop window with reindeer and fairy lights twinkling in the snow. I hope more shops make an effort next Christmas - everyone can enjoy a good shop window.

Full Council

Monday night I chaired the full council meeting. It was a short meeting, - I gave out some grant cheques at the beginning, and we discussed the draft conservation area proposal for St Barts, praising the work of Councillor Gina Houghton and her historic buildings working group. After the official business Councillor Mike Rodger announced his resignation from the Council, and said he was sad to go. He has done so much in his nine years on the council, being Leader for three years and Mayor twice. Mike was presented with a leaving gift and council staff joined us for a farewell drink.

Newbury College Graduation Ceremony

On Monday afternoon I went along to the graduation ceremony at Newbury College. The students had qualified in a number of professional subjects, including accountancy, business and computing, mechanical engineering and marketing.

Sir Terence Conran was the special guest who presented the certificates and spoke afterwards, but opened it up to the floor for questions, which he enjoyed answering. Despite back pain and a cold, Sir Terence was in good humour, and I could tell that the students appreciated his presence.

Civic Carol Service

Sunday evening was the civic carol service, held for the first time at Newbury Methodist Church, home ground for my minister Rev Andy Warren.

We gathered at the Town Hall before processing down Northbrook Street behind the mace bearers. It was a fair bit further to process than usual (to St Nics) but felt festive with all the Christmas Lights twinkling above us.

There were candles lighting the path to the church and inside more candles suspended in lanterns from the balcony all around. In between carols and pieces sung by the choir we were entertained by members of the church in an updated version of a Christmas Carol.

Afterwards we had refreshments in the church hall where I handed out the traditional Christmas Card and money to the West Gift Christ's Hospital scholars who were invited along. There were three new students this year from Newbury, one of whom I knew when he was a toddler, so it was good to see how well had done to get a West Gift scholarship.

CFP Christmas Party

Although not a Mayoral engagement, I just wanted to mention that I went to this Christmas Party at the Slater Centre on Friday night, just to round off my busy day. I arrived exhausted, but had such a good time, I stayed till midnight.

Its the only place I know where you can dance uninhibited to cheesy pop tunes (e.g. 99 Red Balloons and Dancing in the Moonlight), and no one bats an eye! Great atmosphere - well done Christine.

Opening Sahill Indian Restaurant

Stuart and I were invited to the official opening of Newbury's newest indian restaurant, Sahill in Station Approach.

The building was previously offices and a sandwich bar, so the restaurant is a transformation. As it is slightly off the beaten track, it is a good place to go for a quieter meal, where you can have a proper conversation! The food was delicious - I think we sampled quite a bit of the menu. Stuart (who loves indian food) thought the chicken Jalfrezi and the naan bread were the best he had ever tasted! We arrived at 6pm, and waited a while for Richard Benyon, the other special guest to arrive, but as the NWN photographer had to leave I cut the ribbon before Richard arrived. Richard and his secretary Michele quickly ate their starters and caught up with us for the main course. We even had a delicious fruit salad dessert.

The restaurant is run by two brothers from a family of five who have had a restaurant in Basingstoke for 20 years, and will shortly be expanding their empire into Peterborough too. I wish them well, in what is a very competitive market.

Winchcombe School 2

I ran to the Town Hall only to find 40 children and teachers queuing patiently outside - they were five minutes early though! I dashed upstairs and robed up for the second installment of my education project.

They really enjoyed reading the names of past Mayors on the chamber walls, and I pointed out my favourite - Jere Bunny!

They were also impressed at being able to look out of the chamber windows to the Christmas Tree, which is nearly as tall as the Town Hall.

Judging the Shop Window Competition

At 11.30 I met Town Centre Manager Mitch Roberts, and Newbury Retail Association Chairman Brian Burgess to walk around the town and judge the best Christmas shop windows.

Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera for this, but will photograph the winner when we present the prize next Wednesday. It was disappointing that few shops had made more than a cursory attempt to dress their windows for Christmas; - we were looking for original, preferably hand made decorations, or a theme. The winning window was excellent, as you will see soon....

Mitch was used to a more leisurely pace for the judging, but I had to be back at the Town Hall for the second set of Winchcombe pupils by 12.45pm!

Winchcombe School 1

Friday was one of my busiest days. At 10.30am 40 junior children from Winchcombe School came to visit me in the Town Hall. They had already done a number of activities from my Education Project, so knew some of the answers to my questions during my presentation.

They enjoyed looking at my Mayoral Chain and pendant, and having a close up look at the maces. Dressing up as Macebearers and councillors was popular as ever, and they finished up with squash and biscuits before walking back to their school.

West Berks Community Hospital Carol Service

The league of Friends of West Berkshire Community Hospital hold a Carol Service every year to raise funds. The Service was held at St Nicolas' church, with the church choir and the Rev David Cook, but also the two hospital chaplains, Bernard Dagnall and John Stannard.

I was asked to read a lesson, which I was happy to do. The service was traditional, and it was another opportunity to sing popular carols. There were refreshments in the church hall afterwards

Fair Close Christmas Lunch

Yesterday I was the guest at both sittings for the Fair Close Christmas lunch. I sat at the top table and chatted to a couple of the trustees and discovered that Fair Close is an independant charity, set up by local people about 35 years ago. That probably explains why it is so popular and well thought of - they have a large canteen kitchen that feeds several hundred people every lunch time both at the centre and as meals on wheels. Some of those involved in running the centre have been there since it began, it commands great loyalty from its staff and volunteers, and is a very friendly place.

This was my opportunity to taste the cooking I had heard so much about - a traditional Christmas dinner, which tasted home cooked, I even ate the Christmas pud, which is a first for me!

I managed to chat with many of the several hundred people there, after the food was eaten. They all had a jolly time - I hope my generation is as easy going when they reach that age!

'Rent' at Trinity

Also on Wednesday I was a guest at the new Trinity production, 'Rent'. Not a play I was familiar with - a musical based on La Boheme, but set in modern day New York. Its not every school play that you get to see the Head Girl pole dancing! Amy Graham played the up to date Mimi, the tragic heroin addict. There were some very strong performances, and the whole play was performed with professionalism and enthusiasm by the cast.

There were adult themes and situations which were handled extremely well, and at times it was easy to forget I was watching a school play.

Wednesday Club Christmas Party

On Wednesday afternoon I was the guest at the Wednesday club (!) Christmas Party at Fairclose. This club is run by the local branch of the Red Cross. The hall was packed with elderly people in their paper hats, and I chatted to many of them while they had their tea.

The entertainment was from the Park House School Choir, who sang a number of Christmas songs I hadn't heard before, and one talented lad called Jack played some Scott Joplin and Mozart on the piano - all from memory, which delighted his public!

Everyone was very welcoming, and had a good time.

Champions of Enterprise

On Tuesday I was a judge for the final of the Champions of Enterprise. This competition for year 12 pupils was organised by the West Berkshire Education Business Partnership, sponsored by Newbury Building Society and held at the Berkshire Stand at Newbury Racecourse.

Judging with me were Sarah Shillito from Vodafone, Adrian Martin from the Newbury Weekly News and Geoff Knappett from Newbury Building Society. This was a very tough job because there were six teams, from St Barts, Park House, The Downs, John O'Gaunt and Mary Hare, Theale Green, and Willink. Each team had a ten minute slot to present their product, the marketing campaign and research, the financial and business plans. The also produced reams of detailed information, pictures, pie charts etc, that it was hard to do justice to. Many hours had been spent, and they must have learnt a huge amount in the process.

My favourite product was the 'Ballzooker' for firing foam balls at people wearing velcro suits, but the winner was the 'Educastle' and the team from Willink, as their presentation and business plan was the most comprehensive and impressive.

Greenham Common Remembrance

In 1944 at noon on 12th December two American gliders full of troops collided at Greenham Common - a tragic wartime accident, - and 33 American airmen lost their lives. Now every year on 12.12.12 the local Royal British Legion, the Mayor of Newbury, and usually some American airmen and relatives gather to pay their respects. This year there were not any relatives, but an American Colonel and about six other airmen had come especially. We sang a hymn, said some prayers and observed a silence before laying wreaths.

Following on from that, we walked along to what had been called Fifth Street, to unveil a new street name 'Jones Drive' after one of the airmen who died. Then we went inside to have refreshments.

Crimestoppers launch

This morning at Vodafone I attended the launch of a Crimestoppers initiative to tackle thefts from motor vehicles over Christmas and New Year. The poster and leaflet campaign will cover the whole of West Berkshire, and had good press coverage - it should be on the local ITV news this evening.

The highlight was the re-enactment of a vehicle break in. First they asked Paddy Hopkirk, retired racing driver, to attempt to smash a car window with a metal bar. It made no impact, but then we were shown how easy it is to smash a car window by the expert from 'Thatcham'. It is scary how quick and quiet it was as the glass shattered.

Trinity Celebrating Excellence Evening

Following on from the CLC opening, was the prizegiving for students in years 11,12 and 13 (or fifth and sixth form if you are as old as me!).

Cups and awards were given out by the headteacher Deborah Forster to pupils for excellence in all subjects and outstanding achievements/progress/effort and personal excellence. It was especially meaningful when a number of students were cheered on by their peers when collecting awards - showing mutual support and respect.

I was pleased to see Josh Smith had been awarded the PTA community spirit award, following the organising of the Heart Foundation concert he organised recently - unfortunately he wasn't there to receive it.

Trinity - opening of new Community Learning Centre

Last night I attended the official opening of the new Community Learning Centre at Trinity secondary school. Vodafone Foundation had given a grant to the school to decorate and equip the room with computers so it can be used by the school and the local community, especially for extended learning.

Timespanners Winter Concert

On Sunday evening I was back at the Town Hall to see the Timespanners Winter Concert. The Timespanners are a touring percussion band, comprised mainly of disabled adults. I have seen them perform many times, but this concert was something different - they were accompanying poetry and digital images on the large screens before us. It was unique and quite avant garde. There were guest performers too - including a woman who played huge crystal bowls to clear our chakras!

Pictured are a group from the Morpheas Theatre who performed a short dramatic piece about the seasons.

Contact the Elderly Christmas Party

On a cold, wet Sunday afternoon Carol and I attended the Contact the Elderly Christmas Party at the United Reform Church Hall. Contact the Elderly is a national organisation but is co-ordinated at a very local level. A group of about 12 elderly people, who would otherwise not get out and about, are collected from home by volunteer drivers and taken to the home of a volunteer hostess, who then gives them tea, and they play bingo etc before being driven home again. The meetings are monthly, and a great way of making friends. There are three such groups in the area, and they came together for the Christmas Party.

We were entertained by the Good Companions who gave us a glimpse of their extensive repertoire of music hall songs, and a lovely rendition of the old Benny Hill song about the milkman! After a delicious tea of home made sandwiches, nibbles and cakes, we were also entertained by a group from the Liberty Ballroom at Greenham who danced to some wartime favourites.

MS Christmas Party

On Saturday afternoon I was the guest of the Newbury and District Mulitple Sclerosis Society for their Christmas Party. I had been to this as Deputy Mayor, and was looking forward to it. I saw many familiar faces - members and committee members; they were very welcoming.

For the second year it was held in Stockcross Village Hall, which is a super venue - very cosy with a good stage. The entertainment was from the Newbury Nomads who sang beautifully and we all joined in with Christmas Carols (I'm word perfect on most of them now!). Father Christmas came (he is a busy man!) and I even won a raffle prize. I am pictured with Doreen on the left and Tracy on the right.

Watership Brass Coffee Morning

Saturday morning at the Town Hall was the Watership Brass coffee morning. It was a fine day, and hundreds of people were out Christmas shopping, so it was not too hard to tempt them inside for a welcome tea or coffee with cake. Watership Brass Band were assembled in the Council Chamber, and played many tunes, including Christmas carols. A small ensemble also played outside the Town Hall for part of the morning.

Aldermaston York Nativity Play

Last night Mum and I were guests at the Aldermaston York Nativity play. Each year the play is performed over a number of nights at the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, by a cast from Aldermaston and the surrounding area. The play is based on the original texts of the six plays of the medieval York cycle, and the costumes are medieval in style.

The setting of the parish church could not be more appropriate, as it is a twelfth century building and full of atmosphere and beautiful murals. The language of the play is forteenth centuary poetry, and cannot be easy to learn, but the actors are all word perfect, which may have something to do with the fact that they have done this before - in the case of the third shepherd Leslie Woodley, 43 times before, because this is his 44th year in the job! Local legend, Pat Eastop MBE, had the idea of putting on this nativity play in 1957, and she has produced and directed it ever since. She is the only original member of the group, but the magical thing is the continuity - only four Mary's have taken part in 50 years, and many of the cast have parents, partners, children, nephews and nieces that have been involved at some time in those years.

I was thrilled to attend as Mayor in the 50th year of this wonderful tradition, and will be thinking of them all tomorrow when cast members past and present re-unite for a celebratory party. Pictured is Pat with two of the kings and one of the maids.

Mayors Benevolent Fund Distribution Panel meeting

Yesterday I sat down with the Mayor's Benevolent Fund distribution panel, to go through the application forms received from individuals within the parish. This is the first time I've done this, but I was ably guided by the regulars, who prefer to remain anonymous. It took us several hours to go through the huge pile of applications, and it was quite moving at times reading the forms where people mention their personal circumstances. It certainly made me feel more grateful for the things I take for granted. Many people in Newbury exist on the minimum state handouts, though we are always considered to be a very prosperous town.

Most applicants were disabled; single parent families, or pensioners. It is good to be able to give them small sums of money at Christmas time, though I know the amounts given (£15-£30) are small, I'm sure they are put to good use. I'm grateful to the local companies who donated this year - the Mayor's Benevolent Fund is a very personal way to enable local families to have a more enjoyable Christmas.

Save the Children Schools Christmas Concert

On Wednesday evening I was back at St Nic's church for the second of two concerts held on consecutive nights with choirs from schools in West Berkshire. The children all sang and behaved very well - I was particularly proud of Speenhamland School Choir, but then I am partial!

I recognised many faces in the choirs; some children I hadn't seen for many years. The photo was taken before the concert began.

Christmas at Basildon Park

Last night I went along to the Christmas drinks do at Basildon Park with my friend Sarah. There was homemade mulled wine and mince pies, and an opportunity to see the house dressed for Christmas. The Mayor of Reading was there and the deputy Mayor of Wallingford who I met for the first time. Lord and Lady Iliffe were also there, but I didn't meet them. The house belonged to their family before it was given to the National Trust in the 1970's.

I enjoyed looking at the Pride and Prejudice exhibition - the Keira Knightly film may not have been quite as good as the BBC production, but it still rates in my book, and it was a small thrill to stand where Matthew Macfadyen had stood as Mr Darcy, when the house was used as Netherfield Hall. Its a sad fact of life that many middle aged women think they are really Elizabeth Bennett in disguise!

Pictured is Sarah with one of many beautiful Christmas trees at the house - all donated by Lord Iliffe.

Newbury Blind Club Christmas Party

Yesterday at St Georges Church Hall at Wash Common I was a guest of the blind club for their Christmas Party. There was half an hour of musical entertainment with a pianist and singer which was excellent, - I particularly enjoyed the songs from West Side Story.

While the members had their tea I chatted to many of them, and recognised a few including Florrie Marx, the widdow of one of our Mace Bearers. Father Christmas then paid a visit, and generously gave each of them a bottle of sherry. He must have known I was teetotal because he gave me a box of chocolate biscuits - what a clever chap!

Pictured is the chairman of the club, Brian Wilmot with some of the members.

Winchcombe School Council

This morning I was invited by the Headteacher of Winchcombe Primary School to present badges to the newly elected members of the school council. This is the first time Winchcombe School has had a council, and it was good to be able to tell the children how important it is to represent their class mates, and make a positive difference at their school.

Christmas Concert for Cancer Charities

On Saturday evening Stuart and I were guests at the Christmas Concert organised by Macmillan Cancer Support and The Newbury and District Cancer Care Trust. this is now an annual event at St Nicolas' Church on the first Saturday in December. Last year the charities raised £16,000 from their concert and will hopefully have exceeded that amount this year.

We were entertained by the excellent choirs of Cirencester Parish Church, and a number of local musicians, including the Nicholls family and Michael Greenhalgh, the latter being a young clarinetist who was a runner-up in this year's Newbury Young Musician of the Year competition.

There were also some distinguished guests chosen for the readings, including Max Hastings and Chris Tarrant. I've been a fan of the latter since Tiswas days, so was glad he agreed to this photo being taken at the reception afterwards.

Thatcham Christmas Light Switch On

After lunch at Shaw House, I had time for a cup of tea at home before going to Trinity for Theo's academic review. Then it was back home, cook the boys tea then off to Thatcham in what by then was driving rain, for the Christmas Light Switch On!

I must admit it did put the people of Thatcham in a very good light - from six o'clock to ten past seven they stood out in the rain and supported the choirs of Francis Bailey, Kennet and Trinity Schools, and the panto cast of KATS, not to mention local shopkeepers and stall holders and the Cold Ash Brass Band. The whole event had a good community feel to it, but it was a relief to get out of the rain after the lights went on at 7.10pm.

After that I went to a fundraiser dinner at the Madagascan Gin Palace - the food was delicious!

The picture is of Alex Payton, Mayor of Thatcham, me and David Rendel, and courtesy of the Newbury Weekly News.

Seniorlink launch for West Berkshire

I was delighted to be invited to the Seniorlink event on Friday - especially as it was at Shaw House. I hadn't been inside this fantastic grade 1 listed tudor mansion since the renovation work started over two years ago. The house is gorgeous, although the finishing touches were being put in place for the grand opening on Monday 4th December.

Back to Seniorlink - this is a branch of Help the Aged which was set up to provide a low-cost option of personal alarm for the isolated elderly. The button can be worn around the neck or on the wrist, and when pressed connects to a trained operator who can then discuss the problem and contact a neighbour or the emergency services for help. Vodafone have provided sufficient funding for 100 of these units to be provided to those most in need in West Berkshire. The event on Friday was for those who work with the elderly, either professionally or through charity work, and these people will help to refer those in need to Seniorlink.

The project was launched by the actor Brian Murphy (from George and Mildred and Last of the Summer Wine) who is a vice president of Help the Aged. Picture is courtesy of the Newbury Weekly News.

Victoria Park Nursery Coffee Morning

Yesterday was a very busy day - Theo had an Academic Review Day at Trinity (AKA a day off!) and wanted to help out at Speenhamland School, so, like old times I walked both my sons there. Then I offered to be interviewed by the LEA on behalf of the governors for the school's bid to renew the Basic Skills Kite Mark. I quickly cycled home to post some thankyou letters before cycling in the rain to Victoria Park Nursery.

The nursery was very busy, with guests, governors, councillors and council officers. I chatted about the extended schools scheme, and the nursery's plans to be a children's centre, for which planning permission will soon be sought. I also reminisced with the head, Fiona Bridger-Wilkinson about Christmases past when Theo and Louis were there!

I then had to head off by bike in the rain to my next engagement.

Corn Exchange Panto art work

On Thursday evening I went along to see the murals designed and produced by local artist Sue Rollings and eight children from Thatcham Park and Calcot primary schools. This year's panto is Dick Whittington - special to me as I compared myself to him in my Mayor Making speach, having arrived in Newbury exactly twenty years earlier with all my wordly possessions in my rucksack, and no home or job to go to.

The art work starts with the transformation of the box office into a cosy living room complete with flying ducks on the wall - very cheesy! Then progressing along the corridor to the auditorium with various modes of transport that might be taken by a modern day Dick to get to London. There are beautiful collages of London, and under-the-seascapes, treasure chests, and of course the plague of rats and mice. Dont miss Tom the cat taking a trip home on a Sealink Ferry!

I was very impressed with the quality and quantity of work done by such young children; and they came on Saturday mornings for several months to produce the work at New Greenham Arts. They were each presented with certificates by Brian Bedwell, chair of West Berkshire Council, and a DVD of the making of the murals as a souvenir.