Carrying on the truly international theme.....this weekend I'm hailing from Ireland!
Am updating my blog in an internet cafe in Dublin...the shopping Mall is called Stephen's Green.
Got over here safely - however not impressed by the Ryanair flight. Although it was 20 minutes late (which isn't a problem, these things happen) the flight was staffed by some 'couldn't give a damn' attitude Cabin Stewards and Stewardess'! The two looking after the back end of the plane, walked down so fast with the trolley - they didn't even bother to ask everyone for a drink!
So, I had to ask a Steward separately for a gin & tonic! Not that he was bothered....about anything! Of course the gin turned up in what Ryanair call 'baggies' - basically sachets. YOU CAN'T HAVE GIN LIKE THIS!! At least this time, I got a glass and tonic - the last flight I had to ask twice.
Even so, it was cheap gin - can't stand cheap gin - and served without lemon, ice or a decent plastic cup.
Anyway, arrived in Dublin airport - and had to hike to the baggage reclaim - this is a long way, but to be fair they are building a new terminal.
Got my coach from the airport to Trinity College, were I'll meet my mate Keith at about 1500hrs.
Have done some provisional research into prices of coffee! Although in each shop I go into, I cause some problems as I have my large 'away bag' with me! So I keep either knocking people or furniture.
Off for another gin & tonic.... a real one.
Friday, 19 January 2007
Mayor's Diary for 18th January 2007 - published in the Wells Journal
There seems to be an awful lot of people around at the moment with colds etc. Your Mayor hasn’t yet caught it (touch wood). However, when I get it – I have ‘Man Flu’ in spectacular style. Everyone knows about it…
Over the past week I’ve attended 7 events, functions and meetings as your Mayor.
On Tuesday I joined in some filming for BBC3’s ‘Spendaholics’ programme. The programme highlights those who just keep spending and how they intend to pay back all that cash. A local chap called Paul Scates was selected for this latest in reality TV. He put together a wonderful night of entertainment, including many local artists. It was all good fun. The evening included a mini concert in the caves, dancing, champagne and nibbles.
The event was the last part of a series of interviews done for the programme. The final product will be on air (BBC3) before the end of this month.
On Saturday I hosted a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour for Kitty Webster. Kitty is raising money for the ‘Link Community Development’ charity. One of her many ideas were to hold a raffle with prizes kindly donated by local businesses. So far Kitty has raised £680. Her target is £1000 before the end of February.
On top of all this fundraising, Kitty is to hitch hike (as part of an organised event) from the UK to Morocco. If you can, please support her on this epic journey. I have placed links on my blog (www.mow633.blogspot.com) so you can contact Kitty.
Sunday saw, what I regard as the best service if the civic year. The Mayoress, my Chaplain, my fellow Councillors and I attended the Commemoration to Bishop Bekynton. The first part of the service is held around the Conduit. Then we processed to the Cathedral. After the service, The Dean kindly invited us to afternoon tea at the Deanery.
Over the next week my diary includes Council meetings, meetings with YMCA, attending a presentation of the British Army in Bath and lunch in the Mayor’s Parlour with the SHLA. I also try and keep my blog upto date with developments.
Over the past week I’ve attended 7 events, functions and meetings as your Mayor.
On Tuesday I joined in some filming for BBC3’s ‘Spendaholics’ programme. The programme highlights those who just keep spending and how they intend to pay back all that cash. A local chap called Paul Scates was selected for this latest in reality TV. He put together a wonderful night of entertainment, including many local artists. It was all good fun. The evening included a mini concert in the caves, dancing, champagne and nibbles.
The event was the last part of a series of interviews done for the programme. The final product will be on air (BBC3) before the end of this month.
On Saturday I hosted a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour for Kitty Webster. Kitty is raising money for the ‘Link Community Development’ charity. One of her many ideas were to hold a raffle with prizes kindly donated by local businesses. So far Kitty has raised £680. Her target is £1000 before the end of February.
On top of all this fundraising, Kitty is to hitch hike (as part of an organised event) from the UK to Morocco. If you can, please support her on this epic journey. I have placed links on my blog (www.mow633.blogspot.com) so you can contact Kitty.
Sunday saw, what I regard as the best service if the civic year. The Mayoress, my Chaplain, my fellow Councillors and I attended the Commemoration to Bishop Bekynton. The first part of the service is held around the Conduit. Then we processed to the Cathedral. After the service, The Dean kindly invited us to afternoon tea at the Deanery.
Over the next week my diary includes Council meetings, meetings with YMCA, attending a presentation of the British Army in Bath and lunch in the Mayor’s Parlour with the SHLA. I also try and keep my blog upto date with developments.
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Mayor's Blog goes Mendip wide and international.....
Had a good day in Pickwicks today. Spent most of it re-programming the products back into our now fully functioning checkout. Ice Maker is back on, so smoothies and shakes ready to be sold again!
Interviewed someone for one of our vacant posts - which was very good! In the afternoon, I was interviewed by Mark Adler from the Mendip Times.
The Mendip Times is an excellent local magazine with loads of useful articles and features. The next edition will be even more exciting yet as this blog will feature!! Mark asked me about the blog and how I intend to use it. Was also very interesting speaking to mark, as he has loads of experience in broadcasting.
In fact, Mendip Times has won a grant to explore local digital TV on the web! Very best of luck with that. You can read more about the magazine and even the article (I think published next week) on the Mendip Times website. I'll place a permanent link on my blogroll.
After work, I attended the Finance & General Purposes Committee (F&GP) to review the budget for the next financial year. Sadly the largest part of the rise is due to our (as a council) commitment to a cemetery. The only part of the £6 (ish) rise is £1.03 going to service cost increase! Believe me, that's a real bargain.
Wells City Council has a track record of delivering real services. As a council we do much more than others - thus punch above our weight! As a rise against last year's settlement, the per centage can appear to be high....however with a total cost of £64.50 (about) the total amount isn't too much.
To be fair, one has to remember that this only represents the City Council charge - the Police, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council all have to add their charges to the total Council Tax bill.
I fear however, that some may start to play politics with the precept - oh...is there an election coming up...yes there is!!
Back bones soon melt - and some politicians commitment to 'delivering real services' (as many would have promised in some form of words in 2003 (last election)) could disappear.
Interviewed someone for one of our vacant posts - which was very good! In the afternoon, I was interviewed by Mark Adler from the Mendip Times.
The Mendip Times is an excellent local magazine with loads of useful articles and features. The next edition will be even more exciting yet as this blog will feature!! Mark asked me about the blog and how I intend to use it. Was also very interesting speaking to mark, as he has loads of experience in broadcasting.
In fact, Mendip Times has won a grant to explore local digital TV on the web! Very best of luck with that. You can read more about the magazine and even the article (I think published next week) on the Mendip Times website. I'll place a permanent link on my blogroll.
After work, I attended the Finance & General Purposes Committee (F&GP) to review the budget for the next financial year. Sadly the largest part of the rise is due to our (as a council) commitment to a cemetery. The only part of the £6 (ish) rise is £1.03 going to service cost increase! Believe me, that's a real bargain.
Wells City Council has a track record of delivering real services. As a council we do much more than others - thus punch above our weight! As a rise against last year's settlement, the per centage can appear to be high....however with a total cost of £64.50 (about) the total amount isn't too much.
To be fair, one has to remember that this only represents the City Council charge - the Police, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council all have to add their charges to the total Council Tax bill.
I fear however, that some may start to play politics with the precept - oh...is there an election coming up...yes there is!!
Back bones soon melt - and some politicians commitment to 'delivering real services' (as many would have promised in some form of words in 2003 (last election)) could disappear.
Anyway, back in the real world - I had an eMail from Mayor Bill Gentes. Mr Gentes is the Mayor of Round Lake, Illinois, USA. Mayor Gentes was pleased to see another Mayor blogging as not many do.... I predict many more will do so over the coming years! To view his blog and the website for Round Lake, click here.
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
Yo dude - You've got cool bling.... I know, the rest of me is too!!
A very busy day in Pickwicks today! Not only as it was market day, which is always a boost, but we had loads of other things going on at the same time.
First off - cheers to the roof - as the checkout had returned from intensive care! Both checkouts have been reunited by serial links (or something). Anyway, all working. However, down side of the experience was that all of those products that I spent until 2200hrs entering in on Monday - after the crash - have been erased! Tut, have to start again....
As you can imagine, networking and preparing the checkouts took some time by our excellent engineers. Sadly, they had to be in the centre of the counter sorting everything out! So in the middle of all the cafe action - never mind.
Also had an opportunity to clean out the ice maker and asked two of my staff to build some shelving units. So all full on but now up to speed.
ATTENNN...SHUN!! Eyes forward, head up and shoulders back..... was not what we heard when I attended an excellent presentation from the Army on it's current role and responsibilities.
Was most proud to be invited as the Army really pulled out all the stops to show what they do. Sadly, we have a professional Army which hasn't really got the backing of the less than professional Government. It was reassuring to know - that despite the Government - the Army is a force for good, for Britain and for democracy.
The Army took time to present their case and were very open to questions. I don't mean to name drop, but was glad to see Lady Gass (Lord Lieutenant of Somerset), Brig. Alistair Fife (High Sheriff of Somerset) and his wife Dee Fife at this event.
The 'lesson learnt' for the evening is for me to always bring along a coat! I'm so used to walking from my car into a building, I forgot to take one. The Assembly Rooms were a five minute walk from the Car Park. So, not really knowing were I was going, I set off to find the building, whilst feeling the cold somewhat! When I got to the Assembly Rooms, not only was I cold - but my Mayoral Chain (me bling) was a lot colder. Brought a new meaning to 'cool bling' - because it was very....
Back at home now....must read the pack that the Army have given me!
First off - cheers to the roof - as the checkout had returned from intensive care! Both checkouts have been reunited by serial links (or something). Anyway, all working. However, down side of the experience was that all of those products that I spent until 2200hrs entering in on Monday - after the crash - have been erased! Tut, have to start again....
As you can imagine, networking and preparing the checkouts took some time by our excellent engineers. Sadly, they had to be in the centre of the counter sorting everything out! So in the middle of all the cafe action - never mind.
Also had an opportunity to clean out the ice maker and asked two of my staff to build some shelving units. So all full on but now up to speed.
ATTENNN...SHUN!! Eyes forward, head up and shoulders back..... was not what we heard when I attended an excellent presentation from the Army on it's current role and responsibilities.
Was most proud to be invited as the Army really pulled out all the stops to show what they do. Sadly, we have a professional Army which hasn't really got the backing of the less than professional Government. It was reassuring to know - that despite the Government - the Army is a force for good, for Britain and for democracy.
The Army took time to present their case and were very open to questions. I don't mean to name drop, but was glad to see Lady Gass (Lord Lieutenant of Somerset), Brig. Alistair Fife (High Sheriff of Somerset) and his wife Dee Fife at this event.
The 'lesson learnt' for the evening is for me to always bring along a coat! I'm so used to walking from my car into a building, I forgot to take one. The Assembly Rooms were a five minute walk from the Car Park. So, not really knowing were I was going, I set off to find the building, whilst feeling the cold somewhat! When I got to the Assembly Rooms, not only was I cold - but my Mayoral Chain (me bling) was a lot colder. Brought a new meaning to 'cool bling' - because it was very....
Back at home now....must read the pack that the Army have given me!
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
Did I really say yes to sleeping out on a Saturday night in January??
Nowt to report today.
Spent this morning in Pickwicks. My business partner Wayne help put up some fresh artwork from a popular local artist, Glenda Maynard. So the cafe is looking great, with some nice new artwork.
Spent this afternoon with my Diary Secretary updating my invitations and other events. I was meant to be attending a presentation at Mendip District Council reference the local government white paper. Although, after last night's weird goings on - I haven't really calmed down. So couldn't quite go through it all again. Town Clerk went instead.... Will gain an update from him tomorrow (Wednesday).
This evening, I had a meeting with the YMCA Spencer House, which is one of my charities for the year. Spencer House is a residence for homeless young people.
Sunday 28th January is 'Homelessness Sunday' and to support this day a group of 'willing' volunteers will be sleeping out on the streets of Wells on Saturday night!! No namby pamby July night for us! Anyway, meeting was to organise the event, especially the breakfast on Sunday morning!!!
Spent the rest of the evening catching up with everything else. Although one exciting development is a mate of mine (Rob), is ?0 this year - and we are going (as a group) to Turkey to celebrate.
My diary is filling up after May...yes!! For that is when I'm no longer Mayor... :(
Am off to a presentation in Bath for the British Army on Wednesday evening. Am looking forward to that.
Spent this morning in Pickwicks. My business partner Wayne help put up some fresh artwork from a popular local artist, Glenda Maynard. So the cafe is looking great, with some nice new artwork.
Spent this afternoon with my Diary Secretary updating my invitations and other events. I was meant to be attending a presentation at Mendip District Council reference the local government white paper. Although, after last night's weird goings on - I haven't really calmed down. So couldn't quite go through it all again. Town Clerk went instead.... Will gain an update from him tomorrow (Wednesday).
This evening, I had a meeting with the YMCA Spencer House, which is one of my charities for the year. Spencer House is a residence for homeless young people.
Sunday 28th January is 'Homelessness Sunday' and to support this day a group of 'willing' volunteers will be sleeping out on the streets of Wells on Saturday night!! No namby pamby July night for us! Anyway, meeting was to organise the event, especially the breakfast on Sunday morning!!!
Spent the rest of the evening catching up with everything else. Although one exciting development is a mate of mine (Rob), is ?0 this year - and we are going (as a group) to Turkey to celebrate.
My diary is filling up after May...yes!! For that is when I'm no longer Mayor... :(
Am off to a presentation in Bath for the British Army on Wednesday evening. Am looking forward to that.
All that fuss - then they abstain!!!
Monday was a very good day, trading wise in Pickwicks. This was the first trading day that we can accurately compare sales figures. This time last year we extended the cafe. So any trading information before that was based on smaller premises.
Update on the checkout situation: Checkouts still down however spare parts ordered and being fitted! Up and running again soon.
After work I attend a full Council Meeting at Mendip District Council. The main purpose of the meeting was to consider bids for the re-organisation of local government.
Basically, it's a Government ploy to force massive changes whilst taking the heat from central government. It's all a complete sham, with Somerset County Council applying for Unitary Authority status.
Quite why is anyone's guess - but I think that the group in control are doing it for out and out party politics rather than the common good.
With any luck all the Districts will remain - with a new partnership that includes all levels of local government. Although on that note - the county seem to have forgotten the parish councils in all this.
In terms of Mendip, parishes include all of the towns and the City of Wells. We intend to fight our corner!!
This whole mess has been created by the Minister of the moment Ruth 'it's not just my fault but theirs as well' Kelly MP, Secretary for Communities. Bless...
p.s. Must note that the opposition group at Mendip (there is only one as the other group are independents and thus not really a group), for some rather weird reason they decided to 'abstain' on the main vote of the evening! All quite shocking....but perhaps not surprising.
Update on the checkout situation: Checkouts still down however spare parts ordered and being fitted! Up and running again soon.
After work I attend a full Council Meeting at Mendip District Council. The main purpose of the meeting was to consider bids for the re-organisation of local government.
Basically, it's a Government ploy to force massive changes whilst taking the heat from central government. It's all a complete sham, with Somerset County Council applying for Unitary Authority status.
Quite why is anyone's guess - but I think that the group in control are doing it for out and out party politics rather than the common good.
With any luck all the Districts will remain - with a new partnership that includes all levels of local government. Although on that note - the county seem to have forgotten the parish councils in all this.
In terms of Mendip, parishes include all of the towns and the City of Wells. We intend to fight our corner!!
This whole mess has been created by the Minister of the moment Ruth 'it's not just my fault but theirs as well' Kelly MP, Secretary for Communities. Bless...
p.s. Must note that the opposition group at Mendip (there is only one as the other group are independents and thus not really a group), for some rather weird reason they decided to 'abstain' on the main vote of the evening! All quite shocking....but perhaps not surprising.
Sunday, 14 January 2007
Bekynton's gift of water to a grateful city
Had a wonderful lie in this morning!! That's what Sunday's are about!
This afternoon, we had the Commemoration to Bishop Bekynton in Wells Cathedral. I really enjoy this service.
It is a commemoration of a truly wonderful man. It is he who built the three main gates in Wells and built huge entensions to the Cathedral. His ultimate gift to the City was allowing water from his wells (inside the Bishop's Palace) to flow down the high street for the residents of the City.
The water flows from the Palace (with what was at the time a state of the art pump) to the Conduit (in the Market Place). From there the water flows each side of the street until it reaches St. Andrews stream in Broad Street/St. Johns Street.
Anyway, each year the City Council attends a commemoration service in State (All Councillors robed).
First off, the Civic Party (The Council and Office Holders) process to the Conduit. The Mayor's Chaplain (Dr. Lavinia Byrne) then reads out a prayer for the Bishop and the gift of water. Today, Lavinia did a wonderful job! Not only did she explain to the public and Councillors present why we were there - as we had some odd looks - but she read a lovely prayer which was expertly delivered.
We then processed in 'State' to the Cathedral, where we were met by The Dean (Very Revd John Clarke). We had a wonderful service. During the last hymn I laid a posse of flowers on Bishop Bekynton's tomb. The Dean made a gift of water.
After the service, we processed to the Deanery, were we all enjoyed afternoon tea.
An excellent end to a wonderful day. Now off for a pizza....
This afternoon, we had the Commemoration to Bishop Bekynton in Wells Cathedral. I really enjoy this service.
It is a commemoration of a truly wonderful man. It is he who built the three main gates in Wells and built huge entensions to the Cathedral. His ultimate gift to the City was allowing water from his wells (inside the Bishop's Palace) to flow down the high street for the residents of the City.
The water flows from the Palace (with what was at the time a state of the art pump) to the Conduit (in the Market Place). From there the water flows each side of the street until it reaches St. Andrews stream in Broad Street/St. Johns Street.
Anyway, each year the City Council attends a commemoration service in State (All Councillors robed).
First off, the Civic Party (The Council and Office Holders) process to the Conduit. The Mayor's Chaplain (Dr. Lavinia Byrne) then reads out a prayer for the Bishop and the gift of water. Today, Lavinia did a wonderful job! Not only did she explain to the public and Councillors present why we were there - as we had some odd looks - but she read a lovely prayer which was expertly delivered.
We then processed in 'State' to the Cathedral, where we were met by The Dean (Very Revd John Clarke). We had a wonderful service. During the last hymn I laid a posse of flowers on Bishop Bekynton's tomb. The Dean made a gift of water.
After the service, we processed to the Deanery, were we all enjoyed afternoon tea.
An excellent end to a wonderful day. Now off for a pizza....
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