Memorial Service for HMS Tigris

In February 1943 the townspeople of Newbury raised the money to sponsor a submarine, HMS Tigris. Just a week or so later, the submarine was lost, and her entire crew of 60 were drowned.

The Newbury and District branch of the Royal Naval Association commemorate the loss every year on the Sunday nearest the 27 February, with a procession of standard bearers, veterans, association members, sea cadets and the Mayor from the Town Hall to St Nicolas's church for a service. Relatives of the crew are also invited to attend, though none of the crew came from Newbury. Despite the distance of time, it is still a moving service, as we pause to think of those men, in such cramped and damp conditions, living in the submarine. I learnt that submariners only had a one in three chance of surviving each mission - appalling odds.

Afterwards we retired to the RAFA club for buffet and refreshments.

Twin Town Association AGM

On Saturday night Stuart and I were guests at the Twin Town AGM in the Town Hall. There was a good turn out - not suprising as there was a delicious pasta supper provided!

It was interesting to hear the reports of the various Twin Town secretaries. Almost all our twins (and nearly twins) have been actively exchanging visits with Newbury in the last twelve months. In that respect we must have one of the most active associations in the country! In 2006 there was a french exchange with Park House students, 25 Italian youngsters in July, 30 Hungarians also in July, the trip to Braunfels that I went on, a trip to Italy by the Newbury Choral Society and a contingent of adults from France, plus others that I have forgotten.

The association is looking forward to hosting 'Youth for Europe' with about 40 teenagers in August this year, and is supporting the Youth Council in organising this.

Opening Marks and Spencers 'Simply Food' at Moto Service Station

On Thursday I went with Carol to the new M&S food franchise at the local Moto service station off the M4 by Chieveley. This is smaller version of the food department in the Newbury store, but sells a wide range of food, including the obvious sandwiches and salads, but also a wide selection of chilled ready meals and raw ingredients.

It will be a boon to motorists passing through, but also for locals who need to stock up late at night (open till 10pm) and after 4pm on Sundays, as the Sunday trading laws don't apply.

The staff are all new and keen, and Carol and I were well looked after by senior Moto staff, who provided us with lunch and a beautifully presented bouquet and chocolates.

Pancake Day Races

Shrove Tuesday saw the traditional pancake races in Newbury Town Centre. This year they were held in the Market Place, which worked very well, and enabled the public to get a better view of the proceedings.

There were teams from many local companies and organisations, including The Volunteer Centre, The Racecourse, Gardner Leader Solicitors (including my husband) who came second over all, Charles Lucas Marshall, Kick FM, the Newbury Weekly News, Newbury Town Council (pictured left winning the Fancy Dress Prize!) and the winners for the second year running, Dreweatte Neate.

After the races we processed with children from the Rocking Horse Nursery to St Nic's church for the pancake tossing from the tower, which was more successful this year as it wasn't as windy! Then we finished off by eating a pancake lunch in the church hall. Well done to the Soroptomists for organising such a fun event, with proceeds to the Naomi House Hospice. Also well done to Document House for cooking all 400 pancakes!

Launch of Newbury Crafters

On Saturday afternoon I was invited by Albert Moss to attend the first meeting of a new group, the Newbury Crafters.

They meet every third Saturday in the month at Speen Village Hall between 2 and 5pm. On Saturday there were people there from the Newbury knitting group and the guild of spinners weavers and dyers, but they hope to have a wide variety of crafts represented in coming weeks. I used to be a keen knitter, and it almost made me want to go home and dig out my knitting needles! Its a great idea for some company in what can otherwise be a solitary persuit. It also gives you encouragement and fresh ideas to try - one of the members was knitting a necklace from beads and wire.

KATS - Arabian Knights the Panto

On Friday afternoon I took the boys along to see the latest production by the Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society. We met Joyce there and were escorted to our front row seats by committee member Nina Hopkinson.

All the traditional panto ingredients were there - a fantastic dame (Andy Pocock), a dastardly villain to boo and hiss (Mike Cole), a thigh slapping leading man who wasn't! (Siouxsie Ashmore) and a pantomime camel - as in the photo! Also plenty of 'he's behind you' and 'oh yes you did'.

The dancers from the West Berkshire Ballet School deserve a particular mention because they were step perfect, and the costumes throughout were also excellent. I could tell the whole of KATS hugely enjoyed themselves in this performance, it was great fun.

Vision Express Refurbishment

Following on from the Coffee Morning I went along to officially re-open Vision Express in Northbrook Street. The store has been completely refurbished, and is very smart.

After cutting the ribbon the husband and wife who own the franchise gave me a tour of the premises, including the lab where lenses are cut to order within the hour.

Town Hall Coffee Morning

yesterday between 10am and noon I held a charity coffee morning in the Town Hall for the Mayor's Benevolent Fund. There was a steady stream of customers, but it was a little quieter than the last one.

Councillor Vera Barnett helped run the tombola, but also brought along a quiz which proved very popular - made up of photos of Newbury taken from the Town Design Statement. It certainly was not easy to name all of the locations, and it provoked much discussion! My homemade cherry biscuits and tiffin went down well, and Theo and Louis were pleased with their tombola winnings. I am pictured with Rachel Haslam, Karen and Amelia Poulson.

3rd Newbury Scouts at the Town Hall

On Thursday 8th February, the 3rd Newbury Scout group visited me at the Town Hall.

I talked to them about the Town Council, democracy and the role of Mayor - they asked many questions! Then they had a go at dressing up - if you look closely you'll see that its not me in the middle, but Alison, one of the scout leaders - the other two, Dave and Ian are the Macebearers.

After refreshments, I took them on a tour of some of the Town Hall, including the cellars, which are extensive. Joyce and Colin helped with the evening, and it was the first time Joyce had seen the cellars, despite working in the Town Hall for 15 years!

Cancer Care Trust AGM

On Wednesday 7 February I attended the Newbury and District Cancer Care Trust AGM.

This local charity does much to support local people suffering from cancer - for example by organising lifts to hospital for treatment, organising alternative therapies such as aromatherapy and massage, hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics sessions for those recovering from surgery. They also hire out equipment and give grants to organisations such as 14-21 for counselling bereaved children, and individual grants to families in need as a result of cancer.

I was especially struck by the large number of local organisations who raise money for this charity - often without being approached for help - which shows how valued their work is in the community.

I was asked to present a leaving gift and flowers to Albert and Jean Harper, who had been volunteering as transport co-ordinators for many years, and were now retiring.

Full Council

Unfortunately I missed an engagement for the first time due to ill health on Saturday 27 January. I was due to attend the Newbury Society's Cheese and Wine evening at St Nic's church hall, but I was suffering from an extremely heavy cold, and was very grateful to my Deputy, Adrian Edwards, for stepping in at short notice.

Fortunately I was just about well enough to chair the meeting of Full Council on Monday 29 January. This is one of the year's most important meetings because we set the budget and precept for the coming municipal year. Happily the budget was below the level of inflation, and the meeting ended by 9.30pm, so I didn't have a late night!