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This month has not been quite as hectic as the previous
two, as people settle in for summer holidays.
This event is run for the benefit of the children and
the families, and not as a major profit making occasion and all prices are
kept low. However, we still made a profit of £155, thanks to the
volunteers on the day, and the very kind people who offered cakes, prizes,
plants and games for the day. As I have said before, without these people,
such events would not be possible. Anyone who is willing to assist on such
occasions, even in a small way, is always welcome – please contact the
Town Clerk. Monday 21 July was the Town Council evening, and there
was a very full agenda – copies of the minutes are always posted on the
Council Notice-boards for anyone to read as well as on the Wivenhoe web
site (Click here
for minutes of previous Town Council meetings), so I will not go into
details here – merely to say that it was 10.30pm before I got home that
night! On the Tuesday, I attended a very pleasant gathering of
folk involved with the Tendring Show, at Jean Harding’s house. This was
a social event, as a thank you for everyone’s efforts for the Show, and
as we sat in the garden on this balmy evening, we rejoiced in such a
successful event – we really put Wivenhoe on the map (thanks to a lot of
hard work from the committee). Click here
for report on the Wivenhoe tent at the Tendring Show. On Wednesday there was a production, in the Churchyard,
of Henry V, by the Mad Dogs theatre company – very atmospheric,
especially towards the end when a slight rainfall started (but did not
halt the play). Productions of Shakespeare plays outdoors always seem to
have a power that does not exist in a normal theatre setup, to me. It was
a hypnotic experience, and seemed to catch the imagination of the
audience. At the end of the week, I broke up from school for the
summer holidays, with great relief, as I was finding the strain of keeping
everything going beginning to tell – I was very tired and needed the
break. The holidays started with a bang, with the I attended the Tug of War across the river – it was
wonderful to see how much effort went into the pulls – and to see how
many people turned up to cheer the teams on. After a bit of
misunderstanding, the pull was declared a draw – we all look forward to
a repeat match next year. The Black Buoy put on a musical evening with
barbeque and rodeo ride, that rounded off the evening beautifully. (click here
for report and pictures) There was Jazz at the Bakehouse on the Thursday, which I
was unable to attend, but I hear it was a great success, and there was a
film and slide show at the Sailing Club on the Friday showing scenes of
regattas and boats of old, which was fascinating.
As you can see from the above this month has been much
quieter – giving me a chance to get organised, do the paper work that
had built up towards the end of term, and look forward to the events to be
organised for the rest of the year. I have been finalising plans for the
Civic Service, Reception and Art Show in September, and making
arrangements for a new event for October, a Toddle Waddle.
I will close now, to prepare for Town Council on Monday
evening – here’s to another interesting month! Cllr Gilli Primrose |
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The
Teddy Bears Picnic was held in the park on a glorious Sunday afternoon
(20/7) and was tremendous fun. In spite of a hiccup in the press, many
families turned out for a wonderful afternoon in the park. There were many
activities, including a Teddy Trail (with the Town Clerk, through the
woods), games, competitions, plants, music, refreshments and face painting
(a first attempt for the Assistant Town Clerk, Susannah Bradley, and me).
Jo Jingles put on a wonderful display, and the whole afternoon was blessed
with glorious sunshine. (Note: Click 
concert
in the park and the RAIN! I feel that there should have been some badges
saying ‘I was there’ for those who braved the weather that night. It
was truly an experience that I will not forget – hundreds of people
determined to enjoy themselves in spite of the weather. We all got very
wet, but fortunately, it was not cold, so we were able to keep going. As I
moved around the audience during the evening, getting wetter and wetter, I
was impressed with the stamina and high spirits of everyone present. The
music was great fun, the audience participation was phenomenal, and the
fireworks at the end were fantastic – I was so proud to be there, and
part of Wivenhoe! 
On
the Saturday (2/8/03), it was the Town Regatta. This was a whole day
event, with stalls along the quayside right along to the Dry Dock, where
there was a wonderful display of model boats, some static and some radio
controlled. There was even a model harbour built to fit the end of the Dry
Dock – very realistic. 
On
the river there were many boat races, some serious, and some not so
serious (like the shovel race). I spent the whole day on the quay, moving
up and down, meeting old friends and new, and cheering on the various
races. At the end of the day, I had the pleasure of handing out the
various prizes for the races. 
Regatta
Week was followed by Cricket Week, another tradition in Wivenhoe. Every
day different teams played matches and each evening there was musical
entertainment. This event is open to members of the public who wish to see
some cricket played, and relax amongst good company. The weather was kind
all week, and my main responsibility was to be present for the match on
the Wednesday, which was between the President’s XI and a Lucking XI.
Unbeknown to me, plans were made to invite me to take the first ball of
the match. Had I realised this was the plan, I would have worn trousers
– still I was padded up, gloved, and helped onto the pitch, where I
managed to resoundingly miss the first ball. Still, honour was satisfied,
and I was able to retire (not altogether gracefully) from the field, so
that the match could continue.
This
is an event to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust, and will take place
in the King George V Playing Field (weather permitting) on 12th
October. Toddlers and their families are invited to join in a Waddle
around the field, with ‘pit-stops’, fancy dress, music, refreshments
etc. Each toddler will be asked to get sponsors (forms available from
Council Office), and I hope a jolly good day will be had by all. This is a
nation-wide event, and I am sure that Wivenhoe will pull out all the stops
to make it one of the best ever. Further details will advertised nearer
the event – this is just a chance for everyone to make a note in their
diaries.