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

24th April 2010

The Mayor of Wootton Bassett celebrated St George’s Day with a traditional three course meal and a Variety Show in aid of the Mayors charity The Richard Jones Foundation. We joined 160 guests at the Memorial Hall. Everyone had a great time.

23^rd April 2010

We joined Dr Mike Pringle and Amanda Loftus at the start of St George’s day celebration at Wharf Green organised by Swindon Culture. The Army Logistic Corp accompanied a 6mtr. High St George into the square at Wharf Green. The St George’s Day event helped the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. Swindon was lucky to escape the wrath of the Dragon as George killed the Dragon at Dragon Hill just outside the village of Uffington.

21^st April 2010

Simon Jackson CEO and Suzy Johnson of In Swindon organised an armed forces photo shoot in preparation for Armed Forces Week in June. It was good to meet up with Captain Andy Lambert MBE of the 280 Movement Control Squadron.

17^th April 2010

The weather was beautiful for the opening of the green at Westlecott Bowls Club at the start of their centenary year. Paul Sloman the President and the club Captains Jeff and Rosemary Nichols have planned a great year for the club. Paul and myself bowled the first woods to open the season. It was great to meet lots of old friends and to be able to quote some details of the clubs past from Peter Owen’s History of the Club. In typical Westlecott style we enjoyed a great buffet. The Deputy Mayoress and the club President unveiled a picture that had been especially commissioned for this special year.

18^th April 2010

The Mayor of Faringdon Councillor M Wise invited us to his Civic Service . Among the guests were the Lord Lieutenant, Lord and Lady Faringdon, Mayors and Mayoress from Oxfordshire. Prior to the service at All Saints Church there was a reception in the Pump Rooms.

7^th April 2010

We joined Beryl Bowles who was one of last years Pride of Swindon winners at the AGM of ABC Affected by Cancer. The meeting was well supported and we were accompanied by a guest from Prospect Hospice and The Voluntary Service. We met with the new Chairperson of the group Tony Pocock. During the year the group had enjoyed a number of outings and coach trips and they have a coach trip already planned for this year to the Black Country Museum.

1^st April 2010

Today saw the launch of the Go Outdoors Super Store in Ocotal Way. I presented a trophy to Charlie a young lady who had recently climbed Kilimanjara to raise money for Help the Hero’s. As we walked around the store we were pleased to see such a large range of outdoor equipment, I think it would be hard to find an outdoor sport that was not catered for. This is the first store in the town to have it’s own climbing wall and a large range of erected tents.

31^st March 2010

On the steps of the Civic Offices I received a petition from the Town Centre Traders as they were objecting to their licenses to trade ending today. There were probably approximately 2500 signatures.

28^th March 2010

We had a great evening at the Wyvern Theatre with the Senior Swindon young Musicians. They really are a talented and dedicated team and it was a great pleasure to be at their concert. They were joined by the Janice Thompson Trust Youth Ensemble. The compere for the evening was Shirley Ludford Station manager 105.5 FM Community radio. There were a few words from Peter Clark, Director of SYM & Swindon Music Service.

21^st March 2010

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School held a Family Fun run for Sports Relief this morning. We were greeted by Liz Mathews and Denise Lyon the Head Teacher. After warm up session I started the first and second of three fun runs which were ten laps of the school field. Along with the Deputy Mayoress we entered the second race and completed one lap of the field (walking). There was a quiz to enter after the races, a bouncy castle for the children to enjoy and a BBQ, which proved to be very popular.

19^th March 2010

We joined Roddy Marshall at the Swindon Town Football Ground. Roddy has been working relentlessly for the past year raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Today’s presentation by Dr Bill McCrea of the cardiac unit GWR hospital presented lifesaving equipment to the Swindon Town Football Club. Dr McCrea is the president of the Year of the Heart campaign, which is raising awareness to heart and circulatory problems around Swindon.

18^th March 2010

The Jesmond House Hotel Highworth was the venue for an evening of Jazz. The event was in aid if the British Heart Foundation. Amanda Loftus arranged the evening to raise funds for Kath who is taking part in a sponsored walk through China to raise funds.

17^th March 2010

Twenty-seven new British Citizens attended the ceremony today, which I officiated in the Mayors absence.

In the evening we were invited to Abbeymeads Indian Restaurant to spend a fundraising evening to help the children of the Chernobyl disaster. We met some of the host families and learned how important it is for the children to spend time away from the contaminated area. Just one month away from the radioactive area can add two years to their life expectancy. Fellow Councillor Des Moffott and his wife who are one of the host families joined us. If you think you can help please give Mrs Alex Woodhead the Chairperson a call on 706599.

15^th March 2010

We joined leaders of Swindon Borough Council at the Wyvern Theatre for the presentations to employees of SBC who had excelled beyond the call of duty.

In the evening we were invited to 105.5 fm community radio second birthday party which was held at the Groove Night-club We were met by Shirley Ludford and enjoyed performances by Saturday Splash programme members, Commomweal School Fab 4, Guy Burnett, Members of the Wessex Male Choir and Steve Maul who was an entrant in Swindon Talent 09. There was also Music from the 70s to today and Tongue in Cheek Awards.

I presented Citizenship Certificates to nineteen new Citizens and Sandra presented them with a gift of a medal from Swindon Borough Council. After the ceremony they joined us for tea in the function room.

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.