Mayor's Report: January 2015

New Town Clerk

On the 9th January Cllrs Jackman, Wall, Isbester and myself interviewed Karen Bleazard for the position of Town Clerk. After an informative session, we were unanimous in in our decision that we felt Karen would be an excellent Town Clerk and that we should offer her the job. The following day I called Karen with the news and she was delighted to accept the role. We are aiming for Cathy to have a handover period with Karen, before she retires on the 31st March.

Mayor’s Engagements

Jan and I attended a belated New Year celebration held by Andover Town Council on the 8th January in the Guildhall. It was good to meet members of another local council and to discuss some of the common issues we all face. Of particular note were the sincere thanks by their Chairman, Geoff McBride, for the help and information they have received from Cllr Dave George with the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plan. Excellent feedback.

Community Orchard

We next went to the Community Orchard Planting at the QE11 Daniel Park on Saturday 17th of January. A bitterly cold start to the day didn’t in any way deter the QE11 Friends, their volunteers and the many supporters from digging and planting the Orchard. Many people turned up for the launch which witnessed the birth of a legacy for the town. All of the 33 trees were dedicated to local people who have since passed away, but their memories will stay with us all for a very long time. A really great event by local people, for local people.

On Tuesday 20th January we attended the Whitchurch Festival Committee AGM which was held at the White Hart Hotel. Again 10 out of 10 for the Committee in having a good 2014, despite the rain which ruined the Carnival. I am so aware of all the hard work that Rob Dunlop and his small team undertake to the benefit of the town and they deserve our round of thanks. It was also good to see this year’s programme of events and important for getting the dates in our diaries, particularly the Worldwide Whitchurch event in July.

On the 27th Jan and I attended the Holocaust Memorial Day at the Civic Offices in Basingstoke. It was a very moving tribute to all those people who died in the gas chambers, but have never been forgotten. We were honoured to represent the Town at this ceremony and very pleased to see so many people took the time out to join the Basingstoke Mayor and Mayoress at the Memorial, adjacent the Civic Offices.

Annual Community Awards

We had a really good evening on the 29th January when we held the 21st Community Awards presentation in the Town Hall. All the award winners fully deserved their certificate, for the often unseen work they carry out as volunteers on behalf of the community. So a very big thank you from me and the Town Council go to: Paul Driver, John Rutledge, Maurice Berridge, Mark and Cam Allinson and Stephanie Coleman, and Brian Jackman. Winning an award for something you believe in and wanting to make a difference, is very important to us all as we do really appreciate their endeavours.