Today was an odd day - it all felt like a load of nothing but a bit of everything.....is that clear??
Started in Pickwicks with a moderate Wednesday - being Market Day it can be very busy. The town was relatively quiet.
Lois (who works for me) started collecting table numbers by serving as many tables as possible....when she had collected 23 numbers (how on earth that number was arrived at....who knows), she put them all back on the checkout! Lois has some very rare qualities!!!
Later in the afternoon I brought my Brother’s birthday card and posted it! The postal service around the Hedge End area is appalling; it often takes at least two days to deliver a first class letter.....
At about 1630hrs, I got ready for the first of my engagements. It was to attend the relaunch of the Alex Scott hair dressers. It was a nice event which had a raffle for Comic Relief. I forgot to bring along cash, so the owner kindly brought me a ticket. I had a shock when my number was pulled out last only to find that - I had won three make up bags with make up in them!!! I promptly promised to give them all to the Mayoress.....!!!
After that event, I went along to St. Thomas' Hall for the Public Meeting regarding a potential crossing in Bath Road, Wells. The meeting was chaired by John North, but had John Osman (WCC, MDC, SCC Councillor) and myself (WCC, MDC Councillor) as speakers. It was an interesting meeting which included the various options regarding a crossing.
Somerset County Council had turned down three options for technical reasons. We felt this was a shame. John Osman put together a really good presentation which focused upon the issues.
The public who attended seemed to be very interested in what has happened and what may happen! There was a really constructive and informed debate from all sides on this matter.
Hopefully John North, John Osman and moi can go away and put together an action plan of sorts.
After the meeting John O (too many John's), his sister and myself went for a curry in Cafe Romna.
An excellent way to finish an evening....also my second curry of the week.
Updating my blog and then off to bed.....night.
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
The indian lunch.....
Today really just passed on by....not much happening in either Pickwicks or anywhere else! The city was quiet and there were spaces in the car parking areas (especially along Broad Street, where there is never any spaces for too long).
In Pickwicks we are preparing ourselves for one of the team turning 18 on Saturday.... Nathan is very much looking forward to being 18! Although I have said to him on a number of occasions to sort his hair out, have regular shaves and buy some new shoes.
On Tuesdays, I often have the afternoon off. This is so I can update my diary and attend some meetings.
For lunch I met up with my mate Simon for a curry!! Yes, a curry! It has a completely different taste when eaten during the day. I usually have a madras - but for mid day (ish) I had a very mild curry (can't remember the name, it was made with cream and banana's).
After lunch and some time to catch up with life; I went to the Town Hall to update my diary and meet with the Town Clerk.
This is always very useful, as any issues that arise can be sorted. I'm very fortunate to enjoy a excellent working relationship with the Town Clerk, so many matters can be thrashed out. It's also very useful that we can be open and direct about issues (etc) without compromising professionalism.
On the way back home I popped into see the Mayoress (Julie) for a tea and chocolates (I don't really like choccys, but Julie does). After spending a few moments catching up, we went out to her field just outside of Wells to let in her horses.
After all that, I came home to catch up on a few phone calls from residents in my ward - including an issue about a pavement.
I have caught up with my eMails, which included organising a night in the Mayor's Parlour with a group of friends who I used to work with in Great Mills (DIY).
In Pickwicks we are preparing ourselves for one of the team turning 18 on Saturday.... Nathan is very much looking forward to being 18! Although I have said to him on a number of occasions to sort his hair out, have regular shaves and buy some new shoes.
On Tuesdays, I often have the afternoon off. This is so I can update my diary and attend some meetings.
For lunch I met up with my mate Simon for a curry!! Yes, a curry! It has a completely different taste when eaten during the day. I usually have a madras - but for mid day (ish) I had a very mild curry (can't remember the name, it was made with cream and banana's).
After lunch and some time to catch up with life; I went to the Town Hall to update my diary and meet with the Town Clerk.
This is always very useful, as any issues that arise can be sorted. I'm very fortunate to enjoy a excellent working relationship with the Town Clerk, so many matters can be thrashed out. It's also very useful that we can be open and direct about issues (etc) without compromising professionalism.
On the way back home I popped into see the Mayoress (Julie) for a tea and chocolates (I don't really like choccys, but Julie does). After spending a few moments catching up, we went out to her field just outside of Wells to let in her horses.
After all that, I came home to catch up on a few phone calls from residents in my ward - including an issue about a pavement.
I have caught up with my eMails, which included organising a night in the Mayor's Parlour with a group of friends who I used to work with in Great Mills (DIY).
Memorial Service for Mr. D. Tubway-Quilter
Today was much busier in Pickwicks than I expected. Monday's have been fairly quiet up until now, but it all went mad today.
This afternoon my Chaplain and I attended the Memorial Service for Mr. David Tubway-Quilter.
Mr. Tubway-Quilter was a local man who believed in being a part of the community. His family has played a big role in the area for over three centuries.
I only met him a few times, but each time he was kind and interested in my role as Mayor. Indeed, he was Mayor in 1974!
A wonderful service, which saw the whole Cathedral fill with family, friends and those who worked with him on various projects. Lady Gass represented HRH Prince Charles for the service.
The service reflected his life of duty and service. One can safely say, that you would never have a service like it without putting so much into various organisations. It's a sad loss for Wells and for the wider community.
This afternoon my Chaplain and I attended the Memorial Service for Mr. David Tubway-Quilter.
Mr. Tubway-Quilter was a local man who believed in being a part of the community. His family has played a big role in the area for over three centuries.
I only met him a few times, but each time he was kind and interested in my role as Mayor. Indeed, he was Mayor in 1974!
A wonderful service, which saw the whole Cathedral fill with family, friends and those who worked with him on various projects. Lady Gass represented HRH Prince Charles for the service.
The service reflected his life of duty and service. One can safely say, that you would never have a service like it without putting so much into various organisations. It's a sad loss for Wells and for the wider community.
A visit by Mother! The house was sort of tidy.
Had a wonderful day on Sunday.
My Mum and Aunt came over from Southampton to visit me. Was great to see them as I haven't been home for a while. In fact the last time I saw my Mum was at the beginning of December.
We had a nice morning catching up - although I was still getting over the night before (see previous post). Anyway, we went to Andre's for lunch which was as fantastic as usual.
It was a shame that we were not there to see Andre's new up stairs kitchen being opened. Hopefully that will happen sometime over the next week.
They both stayed until about 1700hrs.....
In the evening, I joined friends at the Mendip Inn for dinner.
When I got in, I crashed out into bed......so no updating of the blog!
My Mum and Aunt came over from Southampton to visit me. Was great to see them as I haven't been home for a while. In fact the last time I saw my Mum was at the beginning of December.
We had a nice morning catching up - although I was still getting over the night before (see previous post). Anyway, we went to Andre's for lunch which was as fantastic as usual.
It was a shame that we were not there to see Andre's new up stairs kitchen being opened. Hopefully that will happen sometime over the next week.
They both stayed until about 1700hrs.....
In the evening, I joined friends at the Mendip Inn for dinner.
When I got in, I crashed out into bed......so no updating of the blog!
Monday, 26 February 2007
Dirt Dancing was not the historical first......
Saturday was a relentless day in Pickwicks. It all started a bit slow, but then accelerated to full pelt!
In the evening a friend of mine, Emma, was my Consort for the Rotary President's Dinner in the Town Hall.
It was a fantastic evening. The Wells Rotary Club was celebrating it's 60th anniversary since gaining a charter. In that time, the club has awarded many grants and organised many fundraising activities for organisation within the City and around the world.
I made a little bit of history by being the first Mayor in 60 years to attend two consecutive President's Dinners! Usually the dinner is held late May. I attended last year, also with Emma as Consort.
After the dinner, Emma and I went to Kudos to finish off the evening. We met up with some friends in there. I was asked by one woman to dance with her....as she recognised me! So, being polite I said yes....
I think that she may of had one too many as she was a little unbalanced and started (to attempt) to do some dance moves which I last saw in the film 'Dirt Dancing'. Was a little scary, but was quickly rescued by Emma.
In the evening a friend of mine, Emma, was my Consort for the Rotary President's Dinner in the Town Hall.
It was a fantastic evening. The Wells Rotary Club was celebrating it's 60th anniversary since gaining a charter. In that time, the club has awarded many grants and organised many fundraising activities for organisation within the City and around the world.
I made a little bit of history by being the first Mayor in 60 years to attend two consecutive President's Dinners! Usually the dinner is held late May. I attended last year, also with Emma as Consort.
After the dinner, Emma and I went to Kudos to finish off the evening. We met up with some friends in there. I was asked by one woman to dance with her....as she recognised me! So, being polite I said yes....
I think that she may of had one too many as she was a little unbalanced and started (to attempt) to do some dance moves which I last saw in the film 'Dirt Dancing'. Was a little scary, but was quickly rescued by Emma.
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Great band, great tunes, great kebab......
I was really shattered today.
After a full on; no break day on Thursday - Friday was always going to be difficult.
Pickwicks started slow and then exploded during the main part of the day. I tried my best not to run myself into the ground.
Later in the afternoon, my Chaplain and I headed to Bridgewater in the VW Touran to collect my Polo.
The Touran was great to drive. Basically, it was a large people carrier. Although it was very big, one could drive it like a car. It was a real pleasure to drive.
Got to Bridgewater at about 1630hrs and my car had been repaired. All of the issues had been sorted, although I was advised to monitor it over the coming weeks. Fantastic customer service and the car was cleaned on the outside!! To find out more about L J Irvines, click here. A permanent link is on my blogroll.
Anyway, my Polo is back in full working order.
When I returned to Wells, I dropped Lavinia off and headed home to prepare for the evening.
The Wells City Band kindly offered to hold a concert in aid of all three of my charities. It was a great event, which had a theme of my choosing. The theme was 'music from films and stage'. The band prepared 14 tunes.
One of the tunes was from the Blues Brothers (Need someone to Love). So for that number Cllr. Colin Price and myself dressed in a trilby hat and dark glasses. We had a tambourine and block to bang along to the beat. Was a surprise to everyone in the hall. Pictures to follow shortly......
When the concert finished, I offered those Councillors who attended a drink in the Mayor's Parlour.
When I left, at about 2310hrs I headed to the Kebab House for a Dona Kebab. I was really hungry. Got home at before 2330hrs and ate it all!!
Updating my blog and then off to bed...... night!
After a full on; no break day on Thursday - Friday was always going to be difficult.
Pickwicks started slow and then exploded during the main part of the day. I tried my best not to run myself into the ground.
Later in the afternoon, my Chaplain and I headed to Bridgewater in the VW Touran to collect my Polo.
The Touran was great to drive. Basically, it was a large people carrier. Although it was very big, one could drive it like a car. It was a real pleasure to drive.
Got to Bridgewater at about 1630hrs and my car had been repaired. All of the issues had been sorted, although I was advised to monitor it over the coming weeks. Fantastic customer service and the car was cleaned on the outside!! To find out more about L J Irvines, click here. A permanent link is on my blogroll.
Anyway, my Polo is back in full working order.
When I returned to Wells, I dropped Lavinia off and headed home to prepare for the evening.
The Wells City Band kindly offered to hold a concert in aid of all three of my charities. It was a great event, which had a theme of my choosing. The theme was 'music from films and stage'. The band prepared 14 tunes.
One of the tunes was from the Blues Brothers (Need someone to Love). So for that number Cllr. Colin Price and myself dressed in a trilby hat and dark glasses. We had a tambourine and block to bang along to the beat. Was a surprise to everyone in the hall. Pictures to follow shortly......
When the concert finished, I offered those Councillors who attended a drink in the Mayor's Parlour.
When I left, at about 2310hrs I headed to the Kebab House for a Dona Kebab. I was really hungry. Got home at before 2330hrs and ate it all!!
Updating my blog and then off to bed...... night!
Friday, 23 February 2007
Made waffles during the day - then waffle in the evening!
On Thursday not only did I have a flat out day in Pickwicks, but I had two meetings in the evening!
After work I attended the Mendip Conservative Group meeting. Although the meeting started at 1700hrs, I managed to get there at 1745hrs. It only lasted for about another 30mins or so.
Then at 1830hrs, the full Mendip District Council met in the Council Chamber. The main purpose of the meeting was to set the Council Tax for Mendip. The Conservative Administration offered a budget which meant that the MDC tax will rise by 2.9%. This was good news for local taxpayers.
The Lib Dems put forward an alternative proposal! Which was less of a budget and more of a list of aims (most of which is being planned anyway). So that was a bit of a non event!
So after, what I think was a lot of waffle from all sides - the meeting finished at about 1015hrs.
After that, I took my car over the mate of mine called Rob. Rob works in the garage where I brought my car. My Polo needs some warranty work on the heater, heater fan and emissions. I gave him my car and he lent me his VW Touran (a loan car).
When I was almost back in Wells at 2345hrs - I realised that I had left my Pickwicks keys in the Polo. So after some phone calls - which weren't answered, I had to call one of my colleagues who had a spare set! How embarrassing - luckily I was able to collect there and then!
Got to bed at about 0015hrs! Knackered.......
After work I attended the Mendip Conservative Group meeting. Although the meeting started at 1700hrs, I managed to get there at 1745hrs. It only lasted for about another 30mins or so.
Then at 1830hrs, the full Mendip District Council met in the Council Chamber. The main purpose of the meeting was to set the Council Tax for Mendip. The Conservative Administration offered a budget which meant that the MDC tax will rise by 2.9%. This was good news for local taxpayers.
The Lib Dems put forward an alternative proposal! Which was less of a budget and more of a list of aims (most of which is being planned anyway). So that was a bit of a non event!
So after, what I think was a lot of waffle from all sides - the meeting finished at about 1015hrs.
After that, I took my car over the mate of mine called Rob. Rob works in the garage where I brought my car. My Polo needs some warranty work on the heater, heater fan and emissions. I gave him my car and he lent me his VW Touran (a loan car).
When I was almost back in Wells at 2345hrs - I realised that I had left my Pickwicks keys in the Polo. So after some phone calls - which weren't answered, I had to call one of my colleagues who had a spare set! How embarrassing - luckily I was able to collect there and then!
Got to bed at about 0015hrs! Knackered.......
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