Pink Gin and curried cabbage....Nathan just got drunk!

I had a really nice weekend...despite working in Pickwicks. It was a good Easter weekend!

On Saturday, trade was very good and it was full on as usual.

In the evening we had Nathan Truckle's leaving party. We started off with drinks in the Mayor's Parlour. About 12 members of staff came along. I gave them a brief tour of the Town Hall too (lucky people)!!

After the Parlour we had a couple of drinks in The Crown Inn and then off to Kudos nightclub.

When we got to the club there was quite a queue to get in. However, as I'm a VIP card holder (not too sure how it worked) I walked passed the queue and straight in without paying.... cool or what?? With the card I'm allowed one guest...which was Nathan as it was his party.

Left there at about 0300hrs after an excellent evening.

On Easter Sunday (after tidying the Parlour), my Chaplain invited me and some others for supper.

Lavinia had cooked an excellent roast. She is a fantastic cook (had a very curried cabbage). Also invited was the Mayoress, Anthea, Hillary and Martin.

During the evening I got used to drinking 'pink gin'. Wow....what a taste! Going to try that more often. Will buy some bitters during the week.

Got the last meeting over and done with....then off for a BBQ burger (heated up in the microwave)

Blog updated on Good Friday!!

At least I'm trying to keep up to date with it all. Had a reasonable day in Pickwicks. We had some very nice weather, which meant the City Centre was rather quiet.

We opened for 'Sunday' hours which is 1000hrs until 1600hrs. Ho hum.... can't win them all! Anyway, I suspect the Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday trade will be busy.

Last night (Thursday 5th April 2007) I chaired the final City Council meeting before the local elections on 3rd May.

We had a very constructive meeting, despite some interference! I particularly enjoyed the police report. Our new Beat Manager, PC Spencer Scott, is really proving to be an excellent appointment. He has a good feel for the issues, despite being in post for only a few months.

There were some very nice words from Mr Hudsmith and Cllr. Colin Price about me! I was quite embarrassed. A big thanks for their recognition.....

On behalf of the City I said good bye and a thankyou to four Councillors who are retiring at the election (some others may also retire, but that is up to the public). Cllrs Blundell, Sapstead, Sommers and Woods are not standing for election.

I especially wanted to say thank you to Cllr. Blundell (Lib Dem) for her work on the Council, in Civic Services and representing the council on the Wells Museum committee. Also Cllr. Saptead (Conservative) for his work on the City & District Councils, in Civic Services and his professional expertise on the council's planning committee.

After the meeting, I popped into the Mayoress and her husband for supper - which ended up being a BBQ sausage and burger!! Nice!!

Mayor's Diary for 5th April 2007 - as published in the Wells Journal

Well spring is definitely here. The weather is improving and people are wearing short sleeved shirts and shorts. As you approach the City, many of the flowers are blooming, which gives our visitors a wonderful sense of Wells as they arrive.

This week is Easter and the long holiday (even longer for those at school). For the record I don’t really ‘do’ chocolate, so my eggs are put into my fridge for a while. However the Mayoress loves anything chocolate – and quite gladly eats all mine. Shocking isn’t it?

Over the past week I’ve attended 6 events, functions and meetings as your Mayor.

On Wednesday I had two events. The first was a series of three presentations to members of the John Lewis Coffee Club, from Southampton. 60 members came to Wells for the day, including a former Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester. The connection here is that my Aunt is part of this club as she had worked for John Lewis (aka Tyrell & Green of Southampton) for about 30 years. My family had a strong connection with the old store.

In fact a couple of the visitors recognised me. It didn’t help that my over zealous Aunt was part of it all. Why does each family have a mad Aunt? More on the visit can be found on my blog, www.mow633.blogspot.com.

Later that evening I attended the Mendip Business Forum in Rook Chapel, Frome. I gave a presentation to the group on the affect the filming of Hot Fuzz had on the City. I based my talk around the general feeling that the filming was for the greater good.

On Thursday, the Mayoress and I attended a concert in the Cathedral hosted by Wells Cathedral School. It was a wonderful evening, which featured some of the best young talent you can find in this country.

I launched the Scout Hut Appeal on Friday, by drawing their raffle. The first prize was a super size egg. There was enough chocolate in there to keep a few people happy.

On Monday, I hosted the inaugural meeting of the Mendip Ladies Group. We had buck fizz on arrival, followed by me giving a guide around the Mayoralty and our civic regalia.


Over the next week my diary includes Council meetings (including a full City Council meeting) and an Easter Party at the Sherston Inn.

Only two candidates - may be we should use the boxing ring...it's good value!!

Had a very good day's trading today. Wasn't expecting it to be as busy! Everyone worked well as a team, especially the new chaps!!

At mid day today, the close of nominations for the local elections meant that it was too late for any more candidates to throw their hat into the ring. All the seats in Mendip are being contested.

In St Thomas ward there will only be Conservative and Lib Dem candidates seeking election to Mendip. This I think is a great shame, as more people ought to be encouraged to stand.

Not too sure about who is standing for City Council yet...but will do tomorrow!!

Later this evening at 1900hrs, I visited the Wells Boxing Club at the Cold Store. They have a great facility down there and have members spanning all ages and backgrounds. Some members just want to get fit...others to box. At £3 for adults and £2 for children, it does seem excellent value.

The club is run to the highest standards, so risk of harm is as reduced as it can be. They have big plans for the future.....I hope they succeed!!

Ann Wain's funeral

Tuesday was a sad day in Pickwicks. It was the day of Ann Wain's funeral.

The cafe opened at 0800hrs and usual, but closed between 1000hrs and 1400hrs. This was to allow everyone to attend.

The funeral was held in Wookey Hole in their splendid church. There was only standing room. It was nice to meet her nieces.

The service was very Ann. Connie, one of Ann's closest and dearest friends gave a moving view of her friendship with Ann. It finished with a lovely poem.

After the service, we were all invited to the Wookey Hole Tea Rooms, which is owned and run by another of Ann's friends Theresa. It was a nice way to end a moving experience.

I was very impressed by the lads who attended from Pickwicks. As they are late teens, many have not been to a funeral before. Sadly, it'll be an experience they'll get used to!!

Later that evening, I attended the Skate park meeting in the Mayor's Parlour and then a meeting for the RUH 1940's night.

That night promises to be fantastic. Tickets are going well, but need to sell more..... so if you can come along on 11th May, be glad to see you.

I gave the ladies one.... a talk that is!!

On Monday we had the first day of the school Easter holidays! Wasn't that busy trade wise... Had two new people start. One for the coffee machine and the other for washing up.

During the morning I hosted the inaugural meeting of the Mendip Ladies Group. This is basically a breakaway WI!!

Sue Drew, one of the organisers, laid on the drinks which included bucks fizz. I gave the ladies a talk about the Mayoralty and a tour of the Parkes Room. Am getting quite good at this now!!

Later that evening, I attended the Wells Chamber of Commerce meeting in the City Arms. I was elected Vice Chairman. The current Chairman, Sally Robertson, has really pulled the group around. Well done to her!!

Brief overview of Friday to Sunday....

I know....I know.... no one will read the blog if I don't keep it up to date!!!

I've have been really busy over the past week!!

Anyway, as a catch up....

On Friday the Mayoress and I attended the Wells Cathedral School Symphonic Journey - which is an Easter concert put on by the school.

As usual, it was superb! It encouraged me to join the Wells Concert Friends. This means you get advanced notice of concerts and events. Well, I must admit, I haven't quite sent off my form....but I will.

After the wonderful concert and having the opportunity to meet Michael Evis, we went over to Cedar House for drinks. A wonderful end to a brilliant evening.

On Saturday I hosted an evening in the Mayor's Parlour for my former colleagues from Great Mills. We often get together for a curry or Chinese. This time, it was my turn to host.

We met in The Crown and then ordered either pizza or curry. After finishing our take aways, I gave the group a tour of the Town Hall and a talk on the Mayoralty.

Both Tony and Marian are really into history, so they enjoyed it!! Was great to see Marian Duke, Tony Jones and Jane Brine (alongside their partners).

After they all went home, I went for a drink in Kudos (as it was the only place open at 0130hrs). Sadly, my coat was given to the wrong person by the cloakroom attendant. However, all was sorted by Sunday lunchtime and I had my coat back!!

Just chilled for the rest of Sunday!!