Cllr Rex Barnett, Deputy Mayor
23 May 2009 to 21 May 2010

Rex reports weekly on his duties in his capacity as Deputy Mayor.

The office of Deputy Mayor in Swindon is a Civic and 'non political' role which means Rex cannot become involved in issues of a political nature. He can, however, continue to represent local residents including doing case work. Therefore, any issues of a political nature must be directed to Ian or David.

All enquiries relating to the mayoralty must be directed to:

The Mayor's Secretary,
The Mayor's Parlour,
Civic Offices,
Euclid Street,
SWINDON, SN1 2JH

7^th March 2010

We arrived at GreendownSchool to find 720 people registering to take part in the Mad March Hare 5 and 10 km walk or run.The event was in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Amanda Martin and her team had arranged for me to start the race. Ten minuets before the start we joined in with the warm up and enjoyed some salsa dancing. It was then time for the 1098……. And the runners were away. The start for the walkers followed.We then moved to the finishing line where we presented the medals as competitors crossed the line.

6^th March 2010

Roddy Marshall Lead Volunteer of the British Heart Foundation arranged with the Swindon Concert Band to entertain us for the evening at KingsdownSchool. Approximately 200 people enjoyed the evening with us.The band lead by their conductor Mike Lock was fantastic and among the pieces they played for us was a brilliant arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody.

5^th March 2010

Today is the Woman’s World Day of Prayer. We joined Julia Arkell at the Pilgrim Centre for a service which had been prepared by the Cameroon Women. The service had an African Theme with readers from various Churches. The Deputy Mayoress read from Acts 16 verses 25 – 34. During the last hymn we lead the dancers through the congregation and joined them for tea and coffee.

4^th March 2010

The Hilton Hotel was the venue for the Annual Luncheon of the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain, Western Section.We were greeted by the Chairman Stephen Rawlings. The guests had travelled from all over England, from Yorkshire to Cornwall and included Mayors and Mayoresess, ex Mayors, Presidents and ex Presidents of the Showman’s Guild.

3^rd March 2010

There was a ‘Thank you’ reception at the Green Hut behind St Barnabas Church, and we joined Alan Fletcher, the High Sheriff and volunteers for coffee and biscuits.The Green Hut welcomes people for lunch who live alone, are homeless or need a meal and friendship. Gladys was presented with a bouquet of flowers following her retirement from cooking for the centre for eleven years.

23^rd February 2010

We had and enjoyable evening at the Bath and North East Somerset Council Civic Reception which was held in the Roman Baths. We were greeted by Councillor Bryan Chalker, Chairman.After a tour of the Roman Baths we had a buffet supper in the Pump Rooms. Between courses we were entertained by a local choir.

21^st February 2010

We joined Mike Buss as he continues with his non stop record breaking events in support of Help for Heroes. Over this weekend in the Outlet Village. Mike has claimed another five world records. We joined Mike during one of his record breaking events. He was wearing a chemical and biological warfare suit with respirator carrying 100lb backpack. The respirator cuts down the oxygen supply to 60% of normal airflow, whilst wearing this he set the world record at one hour of step ups, achieving over 1000 step ups. Matt Croucher who was awarded the George Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan came to support Mike.

19^th February 2010

During the week of half term the SMASH Youth Project under the guidance of the artist group No Added Sugar produced some great works of art. We had been invited along to the Arts Centre by Caroline Peirce to view what the group had done during the week. The works of art were absolutely amazing and we were inspired by the enthusiasm of the young people who took part.

17^th February 2010

In the afternoon I officiated at a Citizenship Ceremony in the absence of the Mayor. I presented Citizenship Certificates to forty new Citizens and Sandra presented each of them with a medal. Afterwards they joined us for afternoon tea in the function room.

In the evening we were invited by the Royal Navy to the Defence Academy, Churchill Lecture Theatre, Shrivenham. We were greeted by Commodore Jason Scott. Jason, with a colleague Helen Shortland, presented a film depicting life in today’s modern Navy. After the presentation there was a question and answer session. The evening was attended by approximately 100 people.

13^th February 2010

We joined the Leader of the Council at the Swindon Race Coalition Multi-Cultural Evening which was held at the Punjabi Centre. The evening was arranged by the Chairperson Nazma Bibi Ramrutton. Approximately 200 people attended the event. The entertainment included Bollywood Dancers, singing by children from the Chinese Community, dances by children from Drove Road School, Moredon School and Rodbourne Cheney School. We enjoyed a delicious meal and the evening ended with dancing to music by The Sounds of Darkness.

16^th January 2010

We were invited to the Ordination Service for Rob Tylee at the Swindon Evangelical Church. Rob was born in Greenmeadow and after attending local schools he gained a degree at LiverpoolUniversity. While at university Rob became a prison visitor before moving to Bristol to pursue his Christian calling. He has now returned to Swindon and teaches at NewCollege. After the service we chatted with the congregation over afternoon tea.

Mike Buss completed his seven day challenge in the Brunel Centre at 12 noon today.

We celebrated with a glass of Champaign Mike had covered 520 miles running on a treadmill and broke the current world record that was held by Lee Chamberlain. Mike was pleased that hero soldier Mathew Croucher who received the George Cross for throwing himself on a Taliban booby-trapped grenade to save his comrades was there to see him break the record.

We were at Papa Johns Pizza Parlour this morning to present a plaque they had been awarded by the Pizza Pasta and Italian Food Association. This is the second year that Papa Johns has won this award. I made a vegetarian and a pepperoni pizza and although I say it myself they were absolutely delicious. It was very easy to see how David and his very loyal staff won this award. We will certainly be calling in there again for a pizza.

15^th January 2010

I visited the office of National Anti-Bullying run by David and Christine Pratt.

Sadly this is another charity in desperate need of financial help, forced to rely on gifts from industry. We discussed ideas of how to boost the charity’s funds. This problem is experienced by so many charities during this recession.

22nd December 2009

Margaret Sheppard the Manager of the British Heart Foundation Charity Shop invited us to draw the winning ticket of the Christmas Raffle. A Mrs Baldwin won a Christmas hamper and her name now goes forward to a national draw for £2,500 holiday vouchers.

21st December 2009

We enjoyed Christmas lunch at ToothillChurch. The lunch was provided by the Community Café. The café is run entirely by volunteers. The community café’s customer’s range from executives, the unemployed, builders, salesmen, young mums with children and the elderly. Carol Gibbon and Tina Mackie are the co-chairpersons of the group. To everyone’s delight Father Christmas arrived with a Christmas present for everyone.

18th December 2009

We accompanied the Mayor and Mayoress at the Annual Mayors Carole Service in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices. The service was led by the Rev Tony Knapp. Swindon Brass and the New College Coral Group provided the music.

16^th December 2009

We enjoyed Christmas lunch with the Penhill lunch club. Every Wednesday for the last five years Mr and Mrs Mike Hawker have with some volunteer helpers provided lunch for the pensioners of Penhill.

Mike and his wife are retiring during 2010. Luckily for the Penhill lunch club Tanya Ahned has taken on the roll of club organiser.

Following lunch we were entertained by a great singer and danced and chatted with the guests.

13th December 2009

The friends of Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool invited us to a classical concert in the music room at Lydiard House. We were met by Barbara Charlwood and Peter Jones chairpersons of the friends. Pianist Michelle Eaton accompanied James Bladon, Amy Hedges, Polly Strange, Julie Brogan, Paul Dawkins, Stephen Gilmore and Jason Hull as they performed well known classical works. Will Walder hosted the evening from BBC Wiltshire’s Radio show.

12th December 2009

Along with the Pinehurst Community Association we enjoyed a Christmas buffet lunch for Senior Citizens who are alone over Christmas. It was a great social occasion meeting and chatting with the members. After lunch we enjoyed a few games of bingo. The committee very kindly gave us gifts for the Mayor's raffle.

9th December 2009

We were greeted at the Lawn pre-school with coffee and mince pies while the children prepared for a Nativity Play. The children acted the traditional story of the birth of Jesus starting with the Angel announcing to Mary and Joseph that they were to have a special baby. The story continued with the InnKeeper finding them room in the stable with a donkey, the Shepherds came and the Kings brought Jesus presents of gold, frankincense and Myrrh.. The angels helped us to sing Away in a Manger.

5th December 2009

We had a great evening with the Haydon Wick Bowls Club at their Christmas Concert. The Aldbourne Band entertained us who were superb and played an excellent variety of Music, which included Disney music, Carols, and Christmas music.

3rd December 2009

We were joined by the Council Leader Rod Bluh and Councillor Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Education at the Citifaith Centre for a concert by children from Uplands School, Brimble Hill School, Crowdy’s Hill School and special units at Robert Le Kyng and Westlea Young Adults, for a Musical Concert. The Church was beautifully decorated and the concert included Christmas Carols, Nativity Scenes and musical interludes. Everyone had a great time and it was a wonderful start to Christmas.

3rd December 2009

We called in at Fessey House today to join the residents for their Craft Fair. While we were there we were introduced the some chickens that they had hatched from eggs. Swindon Youth Enterprise had built them a wonderful hutch and enclosure. The residents were very excited about the project and looking forward the fresh eggs the hens would provide them with.

1st December 2009

Good news today we were at the presentation of a £500 donation from the Legal and General to the Little Pippins pre-school group, Greenmeadow.

Lynne Sheehy the Community Manager of the Legal and General presented the cheque to Stephanie Slade from the Little Pippins pre-school group.

Karen Hyde greeted us at Kingsbridge House.

21^st November 2009

We joined the British Blind Sport Ten-Pin for their 2009 presentation dinner. We were greeted by Ken Kelly the retiring chairperson. Ken has been their chairperson for the last 5 years. After dinner I was asked to present the winners awards. The British Blind Sport finalists came from all over the UK. The Ten Pin group are part of the British Blind Sports charity who participates in a full range of sporting activities.

20^th November 2009

It was Kingsdown Schools GCSE presentation evening. We were greeted by Steve Lowe the Deputy Head teacher and the Head Girl and Boy. The guest of honour for the evening was Mr Mark Lever who is the Chief Executive of The National Autistic Society.

19^th November 2009

This evening the Green Square Group held their annual reception at the Heelis National Trust building. After a reception for the guests and an opening speech by the Chairperson of the Green Square Group the guest speaker Kevin McLeod spoke of his experiences in India and aspects of green living. Among those attending the reception were a number of Borough Councillors and Officers.

19^th November 2009

We were asked to take part in judging the SSEP Youth Enterprise challenge organised by the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership at the SteamMuseum. We were welcomed by Romona Derbyshire Chairperson, and Sam McGarth Chairperson of Youth Enterprise Project. There were twelve groups of students from schools around Swindon. The teams were given a brief of what to do with Swindon’s old Mecca Bingo Hall and a green IT project. All the teams showed great initiative and responsibility making judging very difficult. The winners of the Mecca Bingo Hall project were a mixed team of pupils from St Joseph’s and Crowdy’s Hill schools. The winners of the Green IT award were from RidgewaySchool.

18^th November 2009

The school council from Northview School, Highworth joined us in the Mayor's Parlour with Councillor Garry Perkins for biscuits and squash.
Councillor Perkins gave the pupils and teachers a tour of the Council Chamber and Committee room one.

15^th November 2009

In the Mayor's absence I laid a wreath at a belated remembrance service at the Radnor Street Cemetery in remembrance of the 100 service personnel of the 1^st and 2^nd world wars who rest in the cemetery. We were accompanied by eMayor Councillor Steve Wakefield and Terry Gidzinski of the Kings Royal Hussars, who has returned from service in Afghanistan. Also in attendance were members of the 18^th Swindon Scout Group and Beaver and Rainbow groups. The service was led by Deacon Dennis Sutton. The war poem Flanders Field was read by scout Max Curtis.

14^th November 2009

We greeted Father Christmas at Wyevale Garden Centre, escorting him and his Elves to his grotto, which had been built by the Highworth Lions Club. I cut the ribbon and declared the Grotto open. Father Christmas told us how his workers at home were all working hard to make lots of nice things for Christmas presents. Our photo shows us with Father Christmas, Mitchell and his sister. Richard won First Prize in a competition to receive a special present from Father Christmas. A substantial amount of the ticket money is being donated by Wyvale to fund Christmas food parcels for the Senior Citizens of Highworth.

13^th November 2009

Today was the official opening and dedication of the pre-prep department at Prior Park Preparatory School at Cricklade. We enjoyed songs, which the children from reception and year one and two sung for us in the Chapel. We then moved across to the new pre-prep department which was dedicated and blessed by Monsignor Canon Twomey. Julie Etchingham the ITV newsreader declared the department open.

10^th November 2009

I was one of the judges for the Excellence Awards. The judging took place at the Civic Offices. Following a lively debate we agreed on the winning teams. The awards will be presented on the 12^th January 2010.

8th and 11^th November 2009

On Sunday we attended the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph. We accompanied the Mayor and Mayoress, Vice Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, Members of Parliament, fellow Borough Councillors and Directors of the Council. On Wednesday we were again at the Cenotaph for Armistice Day. The British Legion led the service.

8^th November 2009

Kelvin Hall arranged a charity football match in aid of Help for Heroes at the Supermarine Ground. The match was between RAF Lyneham and Lower Stratton. We were presented to the players and officials at the start of the game.

1^st November 2009

We joined The Swindon Tamil Association for their Diwali celebrations. Ram Thiagarajah the President of the Association greeted us. We were entertained by dancers, singers, a flute recital and a violinist. We were invited to light the lamp at the beginning of the celebration. I presented many awards to children and adults. The Deputy Mayoress accompanied me and she was presented with an orchid. We then enjoyed a traditional meal which had been cooked by the men.

We were invited to a passing out parade at the Fire Station for twelve young people from the Swindon Down Syndrome Group. The young people had been on a weeks Salamander training course with the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. We watched two demonstrations using the skills they had learnt to rescue victims of a road traffic accident and a rescue from a burning building of a mother her baby and cat. They demonstrated their skills in removal of a car roof and how to resuscitate a patient they also used breathing apparatus and fire hoses. During their weeks training they had ab-sailed from the top of the tower. After the demonstrations they were presented with certificates.

We called into Modern Library to extend our best wishes to Pat Harwood who retired today after 33 years in the Library Service. The photos show the Deputy Mayors and myself with Pat, and myself with Pat and Mrs Murgatroyed who has just had her 93^rd birthday. Mrs Murgatroyd has lived in Rodbourne Cheney for almost 80 years.

26^th October 2009

Today was the launch of the Energy 2 Project (training for employment for disabled people) We enjoyed a buffet lunch with invited guests. After lunch there was a presentation of the project by Dave Rowland and Ann King. Gavin Jones the Borough Councils CEO presented awards to some of the students. Cabinet Member Councillor David Renard and John Brookham Director of Learning and Skills Council officially opened the project and cut the cake.

25^th October 2009

There was a Dedication of the Field of Remembrance at the Cenotaph which we attended. The Service was instigated by the British Legion and their Chaplain officiated.

The Mayor placed a small wooden cross in the grass and anyone else who wanted to was invited to do the same in memory of a loved one. There was a two minute silence and the lowering of the Standard.

14^th October 2009

Today was the 22^nd Birthday Party of the Swindon Limbless Association and I was invited to join them at the Walcot Dome to cut the birthday cake. The Deputy Mayoress accompanied me. We were welcomed by Bonny Walsh and John Hardwick the two founder members. The group is a self help group run by amputees to bring members together for mutual support.

We joined Eunice Salmon and Jane Lane at the Oasis for Walk the Walk Moonwalk Quiz which was held to raise money for Twin Peaks breakthrough breast cancer. Twin Peaks was formed by Eunice in the year 2000 and in subsequent years Swindon had the largest team in the event taking 4 x 53 seater coaches to London most years. Latterly it was decided to divide the money raised between Breakthrough and The Penny Brohn Centre. The quiz night raised £1,163.

8^th October 2009

This was Lions International World Sight Day. About twenty people met at the Outlet Village led by Arthur Watson. I was blindfolded along with eight or nine others and guided around the centre. The Deputy Mayoress and a few of the volunteers did a bucket collection in aid of Guide Dogs For The Blind which is one of the Mayors Charities this year. Two guide dogs came along one was fully trained and one was in the process of being trained.

8^th October 2009

I was delighted to be invited to the DeVere Hotel to present bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards to five disabled young people. Carole Anne Rapson, Youth Worker, greeted us. This is the first group of disabled young people in Swindon to achieve their bronze D of E awards. Carole Anne is the first youth worker in Swindon to work with disabled young people. The young people are all pupils of Uplands School. It was a brilliant evening. Carole Anne opened the event by thanking everyone who had been with her to help with this wonderful achievement. There were then four short presentations showing the four categories that had to be passed for the award , Skills, Physical, Voluntary Work and Expedition. After presenting the awards we had time to chat to the five young people and their families who were a delight. Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Education, three representatives of the D of E award scheme and the Ranger from Lydiard Park also attended..

8^th October 2009

A tea Party was held at the Link centre Library to thank volunteers for the Home Library Service. I thanked around forty volunteers and enjoyed tea with them The staff and sometimes volunteers make the selection of the personalised deliveries. WRVS Volunteer drivers deliver. The service would not be possible without their help. Twelve Libraries are collection points for deliveries. Anyone in the Swindon Borough area can benefit from the service if they meet the criteria. The service is free.

8^th October 2009

The conference for NALGAO (National Association of Local Government Art Officers) was held this year at the SteamMuseum and attended by arts officers from all over the UK. Approximately 300 people enjoyed a wonderful evening entertained by Swindon Music Services Create Studios, Mobile Media, Swindon Dance and Six Sense Theatre for Young People all of which have brought National attention to our town. The groups entertained us with a production staged in various locations within the museum. We were led from scene to scene by some of the groups. The production was outstanding and the SteamMuseum a perfect setting. The whole conference agreed that Swindon certainly has talent. Many of the delegates to the conference approached me and said it was the best conference they had ever been to.

7^th October 2009

Even Swindon Primary School hosted an informal buffet reception for international heads and teachers from Turkey,Sweden, Italy and Germany. We were invited to join them. During the evening each Country gave a presentation of their school and children from Even Swindon School entertained us with a display of dancing.

6^th October 2009

We attended a Charity Dinner in aid of The British Heart Foundation ’Year Of The Heart’. The ‘Year Of The Heart’ campaign is designed to raise awareness of heart and circulatory problems in the area and to raise funds for local requirements and research and to encourage the younger generation to keep fit and eat sensibly. The organiser was Roddy Marshall, Lead Volunteer for Swindon British Heart Foundation. Among the guests were DR Bill McCrea, Consultant Cardiologist, Anne Snelgrove MP and Dave King the Editor of the Advertiser. The event took place Fabio’s Restaurant and the Kentwood Show Choir entertained us.

6^th October 2009

To-day we were invited by Colonel Timothy S Cashdollar to the Inactivation of the 420^th Airbase Group and realignment of the 420^th Air Base Squadron at RAF Fairford. Colonel Dill has been the Commanding Officer at the base for the last two years, he will leave Fairford on the 5^th November to take up a new position in Iraq. We had a buffet lunch with the Colonel and several other dignitaries.

3^rd October 2009

Mike Buss started one of his biggest challenges on Saturday 3^rd October. The challenge was to run for 48 hours on a treadmill carrying a 40lb backpack. This took place in the Brunel Centre. Mike had invited me along to start the event in aid of his charity HELP THE HEROES. Mike is hoping to complete 20 record breaking challenges by 2014, his aim is to raise £1 million. I was accompanied by the Deputy Mayoress, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Miss Swindon. Mike hoped to complete this challenge by 12 noon Monday.

On Sunday we went to see how Mike was progressing and he had already completed over 24 hours. On Monday we arrived to be with Mike for the last 45 minuets of his 48-hour record breaking challenge. Mike broke this record covering a distance of over 76 miles. We wish Mike every success in achieving his goals.

3^rd October 2009

On Saturday afternoon we called in at Moredon Primary School. The events aim was to showcase opportunities and facilities for hire and sessions within the community.We joined in with lots of fun and activities including Dancing for all Ages, Parent and child Spanish, Blind Art and much more.

2^nd October 2009

I was invited to attend the AGM of SUNS (Service User Network Swindon). This was held at the Pilgrim Centre. Anne Snelgrove (MP) chaired the AGM. Ann Mooney Chair of Suns was first to address the meeting, she outlined the amazing work which had been achieved over the year. The other main speakers were Michelle Howard, Caroline Fowels and Laura McMurtie. We also heard testimonials from Richard, Karman and Sue who had benefited from the project.

During the AGM several awards were made.

1^st October 2009

The 1^st October was Older Peoples Day and we were invited to Fessey House to spend time with the residents on the occasion. We enjoyed a singalong with songs through the ages from 1930 to 2009. We danced with the residents and had a lovely afternoon. There was a buffet tea.

30^th September 2009

We represented the Borough Council at the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Pat Harden. The service took place at St Mary’s Church Akers Way and was conducted by Andrew Fleet. Pat was a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor and had been a school governor and member of the Rodbourne Cheney Residents Association.

In the afternoon in the Mayor’s absence I took the Citizenship Ceremony in the Council Chamber. After welcoming thirty new Citizens I presented them with a British Nationality Certificate. The Deputy Mayoress presented them with a gift from the Borough. Each new Citizen had a photograph given to him or her to commemorate the occasion. After the ceremony we took afternoon tea in the Function Room.

29^th September 2009

We joined Johnny Ball Patron of the NSPCC at Zurich House to celebrate achieving their goal of raising £110,000 which they surpassed. I introduced Mark Chandler who is going to run the London Marathon in April for the Charity. The Mayor of Chippenham and her Consort, the Deputy Mayor of Wootton Bassett and Miss Swindon were also with us to enjoy the evening.

28^th September 2009

I welcomed Rajcoomar Aubeeluck the Mayor of Mauritius to Swindon. We had coffee in the Mayor's Parlour, I then took him on a tour of the Council Chamber explaining to him that Swindon was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1900 and that we have had a Mayor ever since. The first Mayor was Mr Churchward a Railway Engineer.

This visit will establish a friendship between Swindon and Mauritius.

We had photographs taken on the steps of the Civic Offices.

26^th September 2009

The Napalese Association of Wiltshire invited us to the Annual Festival Dashain Kalrati where there were about 600 guests.

We were greeted by Mr Khem Thapa the President and welcomed in the Napalese traditional way with silk scarves being draped around our necks. We enjoyed a delicious buffet, a Cultural show and a fantastic firework display. I presented approximately thirty Appreciation Awards.

25^th September 2009

We called in on the Macmillan coffee morning at the Haydon Wick Parish Offices.

We met with Bez Suter who was the organiser and her helpers and local residants.

Among the guests were Councillor David Renard.

There were lots of coffee and cakes and a tombola. The morning raised a staggering £420.

St Catherin's school celebrated their 40^th Anniversary and I was invited to open a RubyGarden to mark the occasion. The morning started with Mass lead by Father Slattery, some of the children read the Bible readings and lead the prayers. We then made our way to the garden where I cut the ribbon and planted a rose tree. Three other rose trees were planted by Father Slattery and two former pupils who started school there on the very first day forty years ago. The garden was made possible by the Friends of St. Catherine’s Committee and is and area for the children to spend some quiet times during their breaks. Mrs Brenda Martin the Head Teacher entertained us with a buffet lunch.

20^th September 2009

11 September 2009

This morning we hosted a delegation from Guangzhou Municipality, China.

The Deputy Mayor introduced the Council leader Rod Bluh and Gavin Jones Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council. Rod welcomed the delegation.

The organiser of the visit was Dr. David Lee, the purpose of the visit was to understand the method used by Swindon Borough Council to carry out the day to day running of the Council. Presentations were given by Jack Markiewicz, a representative of Swindon Borough Council and John Holmes and Jonathan Smithson from Capita.

At 11am a two-minutes silence was observed in remembrance of 9/11.

9 September 2009

The Deputy Mayor was invited to cut the ribbon at the opening of a British Heart Foundation charity shop. The store sells furniture and electrical items, and in the first day sales exceeded £12,300. The store was opened at 10 o’clock to a long queue of people waiting to buy.

5th September 2009

We had a brilliant afternoon at the Woodland Games Festival at Shaw Forest Park. The event was organised by Simon Pitman, the Borough Council Woodland Games co-ordinator and Cheryl Allibone who is the Green Exercise Co-ordinator for Natural England. The project is funded by Natural England.

The event showcased games for everyone to try, rock climbing, stunt cycles and lots more including conjuring which we participated in. We also took part in producing energy by pedalling to power a radio and games consul. There was the opportunity to make a pencil or a spinning top and also a gymnastic display. The Old Peculiars, a jazz group, Gabby Young and her group and the big band sound of Warneford School entertained us with their music .There were various stands including Twiggs, The Parks Department and Save the Bear.

Friday 28 August 2009

On 27^th August in the morning the Deputy Mayoress accompanied me on a Road Safety Charity Walk with children from the Moredon Children Centre. The event took place at Coate Water. We were greeted by Kelly Rice and Sarah Morland. After a photo was taken with the group we set of on a walk around the lake with Tim the Ranger leading. We were also joined by two Police Officers from the Moredon neighbourhood team. The activities along the walk were animal casting, bird watching and digging for worms.

Also on the 27^th August in the afternoon we were invited to 'Tea in the Garden' by he RT Revd Mike Hill the Bishop of Bristol and his wife Anthea. There were approximately 100 guests and among those we chatted to were The Lord Mayor of Bristol and his wife, the Chairperson of South Gloucestershire Council, also the Leader and local Councillor of South Gloucestershire. The Dean of Bristol Cathedral and his wife Alison and The Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mary Prior.

Thursday 6 August 2009

Today at The Curry Place Rodbourne Road, I presented a cheque to Kick 4 life. This money was raised at a Charity Dinner which we previously attended to raise money for African children.This charity through football teaches the young people about HIV and aids. I was accompanied by the Deputy Mayoress and Miss Swindon.

Friday 24 July 2009

22^nd July - The official opening of the prestigious Jury’s Inn took place today. After a champagne reception attended by local dignitary’s the Deputy Mayor officially opened the hotel and cut the ribbon.

Andy Gray the General Manager of the hotel, John Brenan, CEO and also Directors of Jury’s Inns welcomed the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress. After an excellent lunch the Deputy Mayor congratulated Jury’s Inns for having the courage to continue the development during the recession, he said Swindon regeneration plans had taken a knock during this time. He spoke of the Borough Council’s strength to end the uncertainty by withdrawing from the Modus scheme. He spoke of the 4million pound scheme for Canal Walk. He said he was delighted that Jury’s Inns had chosen CALM as their Charity and that Richard Crowley, Chairman of CALM was among the invited guests..

21^st July- We attended a Cocktail Party at Blunsdon House for the launch of 280MC Sqn RLC in Swindon, a new venture for the Logistic Corps in the South West., based in Swindon. About thirty people attended the party. Guests were from the Military, business leaders and Borough Councillors.

21st July - The Mountford Manor School presented an excellent performance of ‘The Lemonade Kid’. The story was set in a USA western town, which was being intimidated by a character named One Eye Jack. The Lemonade Kid rode into town and through a series of events took it upon herself to rid the town of the gangster with the help of Lousiana May. They lured him into a trap replacing his gun with a chicken leg and poured lemonade over his head. A swarm of wasps attacked One Eye Jack and chased him out of town. The townsfolk had no need for their guns anymore and finished with the song You don’t Need a Gun to Change the World.

20^th July - A Charity Fundraising Dinner in aid of Kick for Life was hosted by Mr Mohmod Ali at the Curry Place, Rodbourne Road. Kick for Life is a charity looking after 10 – 18 year olds in Lesotho, Africa. The charity uses football to educate young people about HIV and Aids. Lesotho has a population of approximately 2 million people, sadly 40% live on just over 1$ a day.

We had a delicious meal and were accompanied by Miss Swindon and her attendant. There was a raffle and auction to raise funds.

18^th July - The Arts Centre was the venue for The Big Hat Cabaret., which was a night of music, film, dance and comedy featuring local performers with and without disabilities. Kev Sutherland a local comedian compered the evening and the cast were members of Crowdys Hill School, Commonweal School, Partners Theatre Company and The Salto Dance Company. There were two short films produced by Create Inclusive and a film by Josie Williams and Mike Juggins. The Commonweal PI band were brilliant.

The Deputy Mayor assisted Keve Sutherland with the raffle.

Friday 17 July

14th July - The top floor of the Central Library has a new splash of colour. Twelve young people from six schools had painted a set of screens with images that represent world unity and disunity. The £700 project was organised by Swindon Borough Council and sponsored by Honda. The young people aged fourteen to sixteen had been working with local artist Julia Fry to create the images. It was good that these young people had been working together. It was my pleasure to congratulate the students and propose a toast to Julia Fry, the students and Honda.

12^th July - The Janice Thompson Performance Trust provides education in singing and musicianship to young people in Swindon. The Gala performance, which is an annual event, was held at the Wyvern Theatre. This year’s concert, “Moving On” highlights achievements of singers who are moving on from Trust to music college and university courses. Joining the JTPT for the first time were the Ruskin Junior School Choir under the direction of Hilary Gibbon.

The Deputy Mayoress accompanied me. Mr Jon Young Chair of Trust welcomed us.

Monday 13 July 2009

On 11th July the 1st Walcot Guides, Brownies and Rainbows held their Summer Fete at St Andrews Church. The Deputy Mayor was delighted to open the fete and along with the Deputy Mayoress sold the raffle tickets. There were various stalls, lucky dips, face painting and a homemade cake stall. The fete was organised by a very enthusiastic Guide leader Sharon Taylor assisted by Karen Turner the Rainbow leader and their team of loyal supporters.

Friday 9 July 2009

On the 7^th July we attended the NSPCC AGM for the Swindon and North Wiltshire Branch at the Zurich UK Life Centre. The meeting was chaired by Lady Jean Stibbon. Approximately 50 people attended. A resolution was passed to elect Elaine Quinn as Chairperson of the branch, Ian Underwood was re-elected Vice Chairperson. Wes Cuell the NSPCC Director of services addressed the meeting. We were accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wootton Bassett.

On the 8^th July at the Arts Centre the St Joseph’s cluster, Warneford, Colebrook and Kingsdown schools presented three Documovies about the transition from primary to secondary school. The children produced, acted and edited the films. Each primary group visited the secondary school they would be going to and interviewed the students already there, to express their concerns and questioned them on such things as homework and making new friends. The Deputy Mayoress accompanied me.

On the 9^th July the Dorcan Performing Arts Group staged a production, Around the World in 18 Countries (left) with a cast of over sixty children. During the journey we met a Canadian Mountie, George Bush, Tom Jones, Bono, the geisha girls of Japan, and Hawian dancers to name but a few. Before the second half of the production one of the casts performed a brilliant tribute to Michael Jackson. The costumes were magnificent. Under the directorship of Amelia Musty with her co-directors Becky Kemp and Sarah Bird and her loyal volunteers Gail Watling, Carole Crate, John McKann and Sandra Hunt the children performed brilliantly with such great enthusiasm. We were greeted by Gina Musty the Chairperson of the group. Dr. Scott Sissons the Dorcan Technology Head Teacher and fellow Borough Councillor Kevin Parry and his wife Barbara accompanied us.

Monday 6 July 2009

On Wednesday 1^st July I represented the Mayor at the opening of The Museum of Computing in Theatre Square. The Mayor had been feeling unwell. The Vice Presedent of Intel Gordon Graylish confessed to being a real geek and commented how far the IT industry had progressed over the last thirty years. The Museum is the UK’s first to be dedicated to computing. Among the exhibits was my first ever computer the Sinclair ZX81!!!!.

On Friday 3^rd July I opened the Psychological and Physical Effects of Trauma conference at the Marrio