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As
mentioned at the end of the last Diary entry, Keith and I attended the
Brightlingsea Civic Service on 26th October, and the weather
proved to be glorious once again. We have been so lucky with all our
‘weather dependent’ occasions this year (with the exception of the
Concert in the Park, when it was a deluge all evening!). The service took
place at the Church at the top of the hill as you drive into
Brightlingsea, with the Reception down in the main part of the town. It
was a lovely service in a beautiful church, with the sermon given by
members of the Salvation Army. The cakes at the reception (it was an
afternoon affair) were very tempting, and I am afraid I succumbed – the
diet starts again after Christmas (I wonder how many years I have said
this to myself!). This year, we were very honoured to be invited, as
guests of the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, to the Colchester Oyster
Feast. I know that there have been a number of comments about what a great
expense this occasion is, how it is inappropriate in the current climate,
and an excuse for the few to eat at the expense of the many, but I have to
say that I was so pleased that we were asked to participate in such an
important tradition of Colchester, and I feel that those who heckle do not
understand the importance of maintaining these traditions. The vast
majority of attendees paid for their tickets, and those few of us who were
guests felt very aware of the honour that was given to us (as
representatives of local communities). The meal was extremely good, and
was accompanied (from the gallery) by some amazing music played by young
people from Colchester. At the end of the meal, there were five speakers,
who each gave us an amusing 20mins of anecdotes, and then the afternoon
was rounded off by a return visit to the Mayor’s Parlour for a final
chat with newly-made friends. I shall certainly never forget what will
probably be my only chance to attend this event, and was very aware that I
was there as Mayor of Wivenhoe, and therefore representing our town.
The following week was extremely busy for me with
meetings on 10th,12th and 13th, but I
managed to finish off with the Mayor’s Trip to France.
The Council Meeting, on 17th November, was
chaired by my Deputy, Peter Hill, as I had a commitment at School. Finally this month, I visited the FOSM Christmas Market
on Saturday, and was able to do some more Christmas shopping. In spite of
the rain, there was a steady stream of visitors, which makes all the hard
work worthwhile. Once again, can I remind you to get your tickets for the
Old Rope String Band Concert on 7th December – available from
the Town Council Offices. I am also collecting used stamps at the Office (for the
Meningitis Trust) and would be grateful for any contributions –
especially with Christmas mail coming up. Last, but not least, I would like to take this
opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas from me and my
family, and a healthy and interesting New Year. Gilli
Primrose |
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In
complete contrast, the next date in my diary was 9th November,
and we gathered for the Remembrance Day Service and Ceremony. This is
always a very moving occasion, especially when the names of the dead are
read out (and you realise how often many came from the same family). The
children’s service was once again very well attended, and it was very
pleasing to see so many children and parents join us at the memorial for
the laying of the wreaths.
Each
year, Cedric’s Coaches kindly offer us the use of a coach (and driver)
for a trip over to France. This means that all the seat money can be
donated to the Mayor’s Charity Fund (for distribution at the end of each
mayorial year). This is an extremely generous gesture on the part of
Cedric’s, and is greatly appreciated by each Mayor. In spite of dreadful
weather during the week, the Saturday was glorious and we had very
enjoyable crossings both ways, with plenty of opportunities for lots of
lovely shopping! Some of us went on to Bologne for a short visit before
returning to Wivenhoe about 11.30pm. At least most of us who went got
something to drink over Christmas!