Councillor John Ray was elected Mayor of Romsey Town, in May 2023, for the Mayoral Year 2023-24
Read his blog below
Read his blog below
Cllr John Ray with his wife Rose
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JULY 2023
What a busy month July has been in Romsey!
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JUNE 2023
June started of with attending the AGM for one of my chosen charities this year, Romsey Good Neighbours. The work the volunteers for this group carry out within our community is invaluable.
Rose and I enjoyed a June full of visits to music events at the Abbey, Crosfield Hall as well as enjoying the delights of The Little Mermaid - The Stroud School Production and the wonderful Mountbatten Music Academy Summer Concert.
Rose and I enjoyed a June full of visits to music events at the Abbey, Crosfield Hall as well as enjoying the delights of The Little Mermaid - The Stroud School Production and the wonderful Mountbatten Music Academy Summer Concert.
Laura Rickard
A particular highlight was to attend the opening concert of Romsey Music Chamber Festival on Saturday 3rd June – what a wonderful afternoon.
The festival enjoyed ten events with musicians who had travelled across the globe to perform music which was centred around the Belgian violinist-composer Eugene Ysaye.
June finished of with the launch of the Romsey Festival at Romsey Abbey. Romsey will see an abundance of events running until the 16th July including Art, Literature, Textiles, Exhibitions, Concerts, Walks, Talks and so much more. Please do visit the Romsey Festival 2023 website for further details.
22nd May 2023
Welcome to my first Blog. Tuesday 16th May saw the Annual Mayor Making Ceremony take place in the Council Chamber in Romsey Town Hall where I became the 415th Mayor of Romsey with my wife Rose taking her place as the
Mayoress of Romsey.
This is my second term of office having been Mayor in 2009/10 when I raised over £15,000 for my charities. Throughout the year I will be hosting a Golf Day at Wellow Golf Club, The Mayor’s Ball, A Quiz Night and other fundraising events.
Please look at the links below for my chosen charities for 2023/24.
Presenting a bouquet of flowers to my wife Rose
Jane Scarth House is a wonderful charity based in the town which offers practical and emotional support to cancer sufferers and their families with a drop-in centre offering befriending and counselling to mediation and a range of complementary therapies. They also have a fabulous charity shop in the town.
www.janescarthhouse.co.uk
www.janescarthhouse.co.uk
Jenna Marie Foundation is a relatively new charity whose aim is to raise bowel cancer awareness in younger people following the passing of Jenna Marie the niece of Jane Scarth in 2021.
The Foundation will be donating all money raised to,
Bowel Cancer UK/ Never Too Young
Mountbatten Hampshire Hospice
Jane Scarth House
www.jennamariefoundation.co.uk
The Foundation will be donating all money raised to,
Bowel Cancer UK/ Never Too Young
Mountbatten Hampshire Hospice
Jane Scarth House
www.jennamariefoundation.co.uk
George’s Trust was formed with youth very much in mind. George was a special young man and his two main loves were music and sport. He was quietly confident , good at most things, but modest as well. The Trust supports research and treatment of cancer in teenagers and young adults, local youth organisations the Romsey and Winchester area and the Romsey Abbey Choir in providing choral scholarships.
www.georgestrust.org
www.georgestrust.org
Romsey Good Neighbours is an invaluable service available to support residents in and around Romsey to get to and from medical appointments. This organisation relies on volunteers to help offer this service so do please see the link below to find out how you can volunteer.
www.romsey-good-neighbours.org.uk
www.romsey-good-neighbours.org.uk
I would be delighted If you are able to attend events throughout my Mayoral year to support these charities, alternatively donations can be made in the Mayor’s office at Romsey Town Hall. Please contact Nicqui Chatterley in the Mayor’s office at [email protected]
Councillor Neil Gwynne was elected Mayor of Romsey Town, in May 2022, for the Mayoral Year 2022-23
Read his blog below
Read his blog below
Cllr Neil Gwynne with his wife Kathrina
9th to 16th May
So this is it, my very last blog as Romsey Town Mayor!
On Tuesday the new Romsey Town Council, comprising councillors both long established and brand new, confirmed John Ray as my successor with John Parker as Deputy. That’s two-thirds of the Johns on the council! And both gents will do an excellent job, I have no doubt.
The same day I attended a Beggars Fair committee meeting. I’ve been a member of that for some time, not that you would know as I have missed so many meetings in order to attend mayoral events and council meetings. But preparations are on target for what I am sure will be another successful Beggars Fair.
Friday I was truly out of my comfort zone – parading down a catwalk set up in the Abbey for the annual model show in aid of George’s Trust. Not sure that I had the necessary hip movement, but a lot of fun was had by all. And some good funds raised.
Saturday – together with Councillor Janet Burnage – was spent on the Walk’n’Talk sessions that have been going on for a while now, in support of anyone with mental health issues. It is a very simple idea, but a gentle walk coupled with gentle conversation can really work wonders. As can laughter and nostalgia – which my Saturday night was full of, via the final performance of Hi De Hi at the Plaza. Despite being in competition with the Eurovision Song Contest, the audience loved it!
My last public appearance came the following evening, when I was giving out prizes to some very worthy winners (including the Mayor’s retiring junior mace bearer!) in the local scouts organisation.
And that’s it! Other than the mayor making (or unmaking in my case!) on Tuesday the 16th, my year is done. And what a fantastic, enjoyable, eye-opening, delightful year it has been. A massive thank you to everyone who has helped Kathrina and I enjoy the experience – and I do hope that we helped some of you along the way as well.
I am finishing this blog on the day of the mayor making itself, so I can tell you that the money raised for the Mayor’s Charities was just over £6,439.28. Half of that will go to the George’s Trust – and half to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A great way to finish a great year.
Neil
2nd to 8th May
My penultimate blog!
My last meeting before the local elections was the Town’s Finance and Resources Committee, which agreed a budget of £250,000 for improvements in and around the town such as new footpaths, making existing footpaths accessible for wheelchairs and child buggies, refurbished and new signage, support for pedestrian crossings, and more greening of the urban environment (there are already 15 possible projects on the list).
The election itself (which began for me at 5.30am, as I had to open the Plaza as a Polling Station) meant that I will remain on the council, together with six entirely new faces. I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the coming four years. Including one ‘old’ face (!) – namely John Ray, who will be your next Mayor. It will be John’s second time as Mayor and, together with Rose, he will do a great job.
Saturday’s coronation was as spectacular as we would all have anticipated, followed – unfortunately – by a damp street party. Although the rain, I think, delighted the French TV crew that were in town to cover the event. Photos from the town’s jubilee street party had gone round the world as being one of the very best – hence the TV crew. And on Saturday they got the opportunity to film Brits still celebrating and getting out the picnic tables in nearly continuous rain – which really played to French thoughts of mad Brits I think!
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Sunday’s civic service was a far quieter celebration of the coronation, and the last time I got to wander through the streets of Romsey in the full Mayoral gear! The Abbey has played a major role in the past year for me, and I have enjoyed every single visit.
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Monday’s volunteer fair – as part of the Big Help Out – was well attended by both organisations and people potentially interested in joining them. Romsey is a fantastically active place for volunteers, but the Covid pandemic did reduce how many people felt able to continue as volunteers for many organisations. I do recommend it – and it is not too late to join up yourself somewhere. You won’t regret it!
25th April to 1st May
After this blog, there are just two more to go before my mayoral year is over. So, appropriately enough, there are two events to write about!
On Wednesday I chaired my last Trustees meeting for Bartletts alms houses. As with so many organisations in this wonderful town of ours, volunteers step up and serve good causes (in some cases for many years) such as this. As you walk from the Market Place towards the Memorial Park, the front of Bartletts are on your right – and just their appearance adds to the historic feel of Romsey. They provide a home for Romsonians who might otherwise struggle to stay in the town, and all the trustees who make that happen – past, present and future – are to be congratulated.
A modern equivalent, I guess, is the retirement home. And on Thursday I cut the ribbon to open the first completed suites in the Glebe Court retirement home on Abbotswood. McCarthy Stone had commissioned a local photographer to take fantastic black and white prints of a great variety of scenes from in and around Romsey, and these framed prints were on many of the walls of this very welcoming new building. I am sure that many people will have long and happy retirements there, just as they do in Bartletts!
L-R Jess Russell MS ASM, Romsey Mayor Cllr Neil Gywnne, Reservist Maureen Green and Nicola Ferrett
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L-R Jess Russell, Reservists Dianne and David Pillinger, Julie Mansbridge, MS Sales Consultant and Romsey Mayor Cllr Neil Gwynne
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18th to 24th April 2023
On Wednesday Kathrina and I were guests of Headmaster Cliff Canning at Embley school for the inaugural celebration of their Combined Cadet Force. It has been set up in just the last year and has strong links with the Army Air Corps, which means the cadets all wear the AAC’s pale blue berets (including several awarded their beret on the day of our visit) and the day was marked by the arrival of two AAC helicopters. This school goes from strength to strength.
As does – I am delighted to say – RAODS at the Plaza Theatre. On Saturday we went to one of the sell out performances of the Madness musical, Our House. And what a joy it was. As a fan of Madness, I was almost certain to like it. But the quality of direction and performance really was RAODS at the top of their game – congratulations to Director Steven Lilly and everyone else involved.
On Sunday I was privileged to take the salute in the St Georges Day Parade, and subsequent Abbey service. Amongst all of the other thriving voluntary groups in our town, it is no surprise that the scout and guide movement – together with all of their variants including, in the parade for the first time, their youngest section (the Squirrels) – is attracting more and more young people. Their only limiting factor is how many adult leaders they have, and I understand that those numbers have fallen slightly. So if you want to be part of a fantastic starting point for young people to have a successful and happy life……
11th to 17th April 2023
Friday was the first ever concert in aid of charities supported by the Test Valley Mayor (Cllr Alan Dowden). It was in the Crosfield Hall and featured the supremely talented Romsonian Laura Rickard, together with her fellow musician (and cellist) Findlay Spence. The music included some lesser-heard work and displayed the skill and musicality of these two excellent musicians wonderfully well – a real advert for the Chamber Music Festival that Laura is the driver for, and which is on in the near future (look out for it, I have my tickets!)
There is no disguising the fact, however, that the turnout was disappointingly low. All those who chose not to join the audience missed out. I suggest you get your tickets to the Chamber Music Festival to compensate!
4th to 10th April 2023
Roughly one thousand years ago, there were two areas with the name Romsey attached to them. Romsey Infra described the area around the Abbey, and Romsey Extra was the area surrounding Romsey Infra – the border between them being marked by the bridge over the stream, roughly where Boots is today. (Infra being inside the bridge, extra being beyond the bridge). In the centuries since, Romsey Infra has grown continuously – always at the expense of land transferring from Romsey Extra to Romsey Infra (or to give it the more recognisable name, Romsey Town).
All of this we heard from the incredibly knowledgeable Phoebe Merrick, as she spoke to us in the Town Hall on Thursday evening – at what was, genuinely, an historic occasion. Namely the official marking of the merger between Romsey and Romsey Extra parishes, now all under the Romsey Town Council administration. Current and past councillors were there, as were members from the history society, and an enjoyable evening was had by all. The evening includedCllr John Parker handing over of his official medal – as the last ever leader of Romsey Extra Parish Council – to Judith Giles as the Chief Officer of Romsey Town Council. This will now be placed on display, together with photographs from the evening, by the boards in the Council Chamber that list all past Romsey Town Mayors.
Leader of Romsey Extra Parish Council, Cllr John Parker handing over of his official medal to Judith Giles as the Chief Officer of Romsey Town Council
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Myself with Leader of Romsey Extra Parish Council, Cllr John Parker
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Saturday was a very different event! Namely the adult and children’s Easter parties organised by the Carnival Committee. The Carnival Committee do so much for the town – as recognised by the Mayors Award to them earlier this year – and this really was a load of fun. What is more, I am delighted that I get to attend one more Carnival Committee event before standing down as Mayor. Namely the second street party that they will have organised during my year – for the King’s Coronation on May 6th, starting time (for the party) of 1pm. I cannot wait!
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28th March to 3rd April 2023
On Thursday Kathrina and I attended an evening of displays and award presentations at Romsey’s Navy Cadets. A lot of keen and enthusiastic young people – and very proud parents and grandparents. Very easy to identify with the later as Kathrina’s son joined the navy himself just over a year ago. As ever, none of it possible without the support of hard working volunteers.
Talking of which - Friday morning was spent in the Town Hall with some more volunteers, namely the League of Friends of Romsey Hospital. They had their annual fund raising coffee morning there, and were also on the lookout for new volunteers.
There is no shortage of things to get involved in as a volunteer in Romsey!
In fact we are hosting a Volunteer Market on the 8th May which is part of the King’s Coronation Celebrations, where The Big Help Out events have been encouraged nationally to recruit volunteers for local organisations
And talking of Romsey - Saturday was the first day of the new, expanded, Romsey Parish which now incorporates most of what was Romsey Extra. There will be a ceremony marking this change on Thursday April 6th at the Town Hall. The last time as significant a change happened to Romsey was in 1974, when Test Valley Borough was created from (amongst other areas) the previous Romsey Borough.
On Thursday Kathrina and I attended an evening of displays and award presentations at Romsey’s Navy Cadets. A lot of keen and enthusiastic young people – and very proud parents and grandparents. Very easy to identify with the later as Kathrina’s son joined the navy himself just over a year ago. As ever, none of it possible without the support of hard working volunteers.
Talking of which - Friday morning was spent in the Town Hall with some more volunteers, namely the League of Friends of Romsey Hospital. They had their annual fund raising coffee morning there, and were also on the lookout for new volunteers.
There is no shortage of things to get involved in as a volunteer in Romsey!
In fact we are hosting a Volunteer Market on the 8th May which is part of the King’s Coronation Celebrations, where The Big Help Out events have been encouraged nationally to recruit volunteers for local organisations
And talking of Romsey - Saturday was the first day of the new, expanded, Romsey Parish which now incorporates most of what was Romsey Extra. There will be a ceremony marking this change on Thursday April 6th at the Town Hall. The last time as significant a change happened to Romsey was in 1974, when Test Valley Borough was created from (amongst other areas) the previous Romsey Borough.
21st to 27th March 2023
My week began with an ending. Not just my last time chairing a full council meeting, but also the last of such meetings for Cllr Dorothy Baverstock who is standing down as a councillor after two decades serving Romsey at both Town and Borough level. Dorothy has done a very great deal for Romsey over that time and it was great for a sincere thank you to come from the council, not least via Cllr Mark Cooper’s recollections of her time there.
Friday night was something of a mix up! To be exact, it was the Mixing It Up mayor’s charity concert at the Abbey. Which was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever had. About 250 people in the audience and 170 performers. With those performances varying from Beethoven and Bach to songs from Madness and Greek versions of Old MacDonald Had A Farm! Everyone had a great time and – as I said on the night – I cannot thank enough all those people involved in organising, performing and watching. One of THE best memories of my mayoral year – which included the launch of the Mayor’s Charity Raffle (keep an eye out for the fabulous prizes ….)
Romsey Youth Choir
A performance from the cast of 'Our House'
Romsey Male Voice Choir
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Reverend Thomas Wharton
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Sunday was another ending – my last time watching the Romsey Chamber Orchestra as their patron. On this occasion I also took part, as the narrator for The Creatures of Prometheus by Beethoven. All seats were taken in the audience, and a great RCO performance was given (other than for a couple of slips by the narrator!) As I told their Musical Director (and conductor) Stephen Smith, that may be the last time I attend as Mayor, but I will be going to their concerts in June and November. I highly recommend that you do to!
14th to 20th March 2023
Two very enjoyable events this week. Firstly an excellent performance of Calendar Girls at the Plaza. Most people will be very familiar with the story, and it really was an excellent script by Tim Firth who had written the film script as well. (The show was also superbly directed and acted!) The next RAODS show – Our House – is also written by Tim Firth, so will be well worth a watch. Either in its full form – or excerpts from it at the Mayors Charity Concert this coming Friday! (Just saying …. Tickets still available …)
The following day I was back at the Plaza – but this time to say a few words about a year in the life of a Mayor – to the Green Buttercup group, who support dementia sufferers and their carers. I still have just under two months to go, but preparation for the talk meant going through all that had happened in the last ten months. Which was a surprising amount!
7th to 13th March 2023
The Commonwealth was founded in 1949 and includes 54 member states with a combined population of 2.4 billion people (almost a third of the world's population). It spans Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and includes many of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries - home to myriad cultures and religions. All members have an equal say regardless of size or wealth, ensuring even the smallest countries have a voice. Today’s Commonwealth is an organisation well worth celebrating, which is exactly what happens on the second Monday of March each year. So at 10am on the final day of this particular mayoral week, I was at the Former Magistrates Court as both Test Valley Borough Council and Romsey Town Council representatives witnessed the raising of the Commonwealth flag.
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My week started in the Town Hall with the cutting of a cake decorated with the Barclays eagle, in front of some pretty well known football silverware! That silverware being in Romsey – and the photo opportunities it presented – made their day for a lot of people, so many thanks to Barclays for organising the event. (And for employing me for fifteen years, as it happens!)
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That same day, as a Town councillor, I saw and heard initial thoughts from the developers re the Edwina Mountbatten site. Change is never easy of course, but generally the approach to the development of the site was to be welcomed.
Being old enough to remember a BBC programme called The Great Egg Race, Wednesday was a treat! Because it felt very much like we had wandered on to the set of that programme, when handing out prizes to the Rotary’s tech tournament for local schools. They had all been set the task of creating a coin sorter from scratch, using very basic materials. Clearly everybody involved – pupils and adults – had a lot of fun on the day, and the prizes were well deserved!
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The following day was the AGM of the Romsey Show – an organisation that I was surprised to learn has roots that go back nearly 200 years! Much more recent are the roots of Wilder Romsey (less than two years old in fact) but the day after the Romsey Show AGM, I was taking part in a photo shoot at the Fishlake Meadows reserve together with representatives from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. One of their wardens said that, in terms of biodiversity, this reserve is one of the very best that HIOWWT manages. Which was good to hear, as the photo shoot was to celebrate the fact that Wilder Romsey and the Mayor’s charity will be helping to fund the HIOWWT in their work.
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And talking of the Mayor’s charity – tickets for the Mixing It Up concert in Romsey Abbey on the 25th of March are still available!
28th February to 6th March 2023
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My first mayoral event this week was at the Crosfield Hall for the annual exhibition of model railways (and related stuff) organised by the Romsey and District Railway Modellers Society. The place was packed with enthusiasts and (I’m glad to say) many children. This has been an annual event since the 1970s and is going from strength to strength, bringing in visitors from quite a distance from the town. As well as the outstanding exhibits – and there were some incredibly complex and clever setups – I was also recognised by somebody that I worked with over twenty years ago. So maybe I haven’t aged quite as much as I think!
The following day I took part in one of the Health Walks organised by Test Valley Borough Council. We started by the squash courts and included in our hour long walk was a section by the river Test and another by the canal. (We are really fortunate to live in a town with such a compact town centre, and such excellent countryside so close at hand). As with the modellers, these walks are going from strength to strength. Each walk (four a month) is undertaken in three groups – brisk, usual walking pace, and at a more gentle speed. They are a great idea, and a great way to spend an hour chatting to people. Thoroughly recommended.
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Romsey and District Railway Modellers Society Annual Exhibition
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21st to 27th February 2023
Two great events this week. Firstly a really enjoyable time at Romsey Opportunity Group at Appletree Centre (besides the Library) for both myself and Kathrina. This group have been running for over 50 years now, and provide – essentially – a creche for preschool children who have additional needs of one sort or another. And, in doing so, give their parents a break – during which they get to spend time to have a break, chat to each other, and exchange stories and information. The atmosphere was full of energy and fun, plus we got to sing Old MacDonald Had A Farm (for the first time since playing a 7 year old in an outdoor production of Blue Remembered Hills!) Great fun, and due in no small way to Janine Hollands as the Playroom Co-ordinator. Janine has masses of infectious energy!
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Then to adults at play on the Saturday – with the fund-raiser Scouts quiz in the Crosfield Hall. Our table just about made it into the top ten, but we couldn’t compete with the table where the Test Valley Deputy Mayor was part of the team – they won the event. There’s always next year! Many thanks to John as quiz master (and our host) too!
14th to 20th February 2023
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Two very different events for me to attend this week. Firstly a continuation of the Wilder Romsey work on Greater Woodley estate – this time seeding the area underneath the community orchard that we planted earlier. The seed was a wildflower mix which, in a couple of summers time, should be a riot of colour! We also prepared an area of old, tired slabs for lifting and replacing with more wildflowers and shrubs.
And the second was another riot of colour. A once-a-month “Who Let The Dads Out” opportunity for the fathers of toddlers to bring them along to Romsey’s Methodist Church, and have a natter and a bacon roll whilst their children play together. A great initiative which I had the pleasure of joining on the Saturday. Many congratulations to the Reverand Gareth Hill for such a great idea! (And a big thank you for inviting me along).
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7th to 13th February 2023
Tuesday the 7th was a meeting of the Romsey Town Council Buildings and Town Committee – which I mention because this is the committee that came up with the idea for the Mayors Awards, recognising individuals and organisations that had done particularly good things for the town. And whilst the next set of awards will be a year – and a change of Mayor – away, the first nomination for next year’s awards was submitted!
On Friday I was fortunate enough to be invited to Romsey School’s production of The Addams Family. Several faces were familiar to me, as they are members of RAODS – and the (hired) set may make its way to the Plaza stage when RAODS put the same musical on in the autumn. It was a great production, one that the school was rightly very proud of.
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The following afternoon was spent at the first performance of NOMADS’ The Little Mermaid. NOMADS are a fantastically all-inclusive organisation, who never turn any person away who wants to perform. And more power to their elbow on that! I was at the show with the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley – and it was a lot of fun!
Lastly this week, was the launch of the Music In Romsey programme. This is in part a thank you to the volunteers who do all of the front of house (and there could be no performances without them) as well as letting everyone know what is coming their way. Which includes, of course, the Mayor’s Charity Concert! (tickets still available). It really is a great programme of music, so do take a good look at it – congratulations to Chris Green for continuing what is a long tradition now (the organisation started back in the 1970s) in such style.
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Music In Romsey 2023 leaflet, available from Romsey Visitor Information Centre and Romsey Abbey
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31st January to 6th February 2023
The week began with a lovely evening at the Town Hall. The ‘Mayor’s At Home’ event is intended to give a thank you to all of those who have invited myself as Mayor to one of their events during the year – this time with an added bonus. Namely I got to hand out a new Romsey Town Council invention! From this year onwards, RTC will give Mayor’s Awards to those individuals or organisations that we feel have made a particular contribution to making – and keeping – Romsey special. As the first such awards evening, we had a few to hand out. Specifically:
- ROMSEY CARNIVAL COMMITTEE - QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS - for the outstanding way they have represented the town.
- CLIVE COLLIER, CHAIRMAN OF THE PROJECT BOARD FOR THE DESIGN OF THE PIAZZA IN THE MARKET PLACE - for the outstanding way in which the Town has been represented.
- ROMSEY FOODBANK - for the outstanding way in which they have supported the Town.
- IAN RICHARDS – OVER 40 YEARS ERECTING TOWN SUMMER BUNTING MARSHALS SUPERVISOR SINCE 2008
AND BEING AN OVERALL STAR! - ROGER HOUSE – RETIRING ALLOTMENT’S SECRETARY - for the outstanding way in which the Town has been represented.
Romsey Carnival Committee
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Mayor's At Home
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Beth Tanton, Operations and Centre Manager at Romsey Foodbank
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Roger House, Romsey Allotments
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On Thursday I was taken round to meet the ladies who reside at Bartlett’s Almshouses. In common with lots of people who pass them on their way to or from the Memorial Park, I had always wanted to see inside this historic building. And as Mayor I am Chair of Trustees for a year so I got the chance – and had a good natter as well! That evening was an Extraordinary General Meeting at the Plaza, which gave the green light to the stage house build taking place this coming summer.
Friday took me to Romsey Railway Station, where a partnership has been put together between Romsey School and Network Rail – the first visible evidence of which is a fantastic mosaic in the tunnel between platforms (developed by the pupils and professional artist Joanna Dewfall). Also large murals on the adjacent road tunnel – developed by pupils in conjunction with Colour Factory artists Jenny Muncaster and Rachael Alexander. Both really brighten up what could otherwise be pretty dull areas and, I understand it, there are likely to be more to come….
Mosaic created by The Romsey School
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Mural created by The Romsey School
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24th to 30th January 2023
On Tuesday I had my final Christmas meal! As a member of Romsey Town Council I get to be trustee of the Bartletts and Kents almshouses – and Tuesday was the delayed Christmas meal for Kents, held at The Three Tuns. And extremely nice it was too – both in terms of the company and the food. Among the many things that Romsey is fortunate to have are all of the excellent places to eat out.
Later that same day was the great news of the approval of a further £100k grant for the Plaza Theatre, re their forthcoming building work. This money is distributed by the council, but actually comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy – a pot of money that all developers have to pay into when they build around the town, specifically for use in keeping the local infrastructure well maintained. When the new Romsey Town Council forms on April 1st it too will have access to such funds, and the aim will be to use them improve infrastructure in and around the town. The sums of money will be far less than those available at Borough level – but a lot more than we have had in the past!
Friday started with some Wilder Romsey activity at Abbotswood – getting some more trees planted and mulched in. And then came my first ever Burns night – courtesy of Romsey Rugby Club at Ampfield Golf Club (including my attempt at a Scottish accent whilst reading out some Burns poetry). It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, most of which I can remember! And I know the club is looking forward to its next Burns night in 2024 – which will be held in their new clubhouse on Ganger Farm.
The week ended with the final performance of Cinderella at the Plaza. A great show it was too – and a sellout. From about September onwards I am delighted to report that ticket sales at the Plaza are back to where they were before Covid. So if there is something you want to see – get your tickets early!
With the cast of Cinderella at The Plaza
17th to 23rd January 2023
My week began with chairing a Romsey Town Council meeting. There is now only one meeting remaining for Romsey Town Council in its current form, as on April 1st it will merge with (nearly) all of Romsey Extra parish. The enlarged Romsey Town Council will have wards (Abbey, Cupernham, Tadburn) that are identical to the Borough wards of the same name (much less confusing for everyone!). And it will have access to the community funds generated from residential developments, such as at Abbotswood and Kings Chase - to be used for the benefit of all Romsonians.
The next day began with a chilly scrub clearance on Abbotswood nature reserve, courtesy of Wilder Romsey. There followed a committee meeting for Bartletts almshouses. And then I attended a TVBC cabinet meeting to hear confirmation that a £100,000 grant application from the Plaza is approved – making the building work due to take place there between May and September a near certainty. As the virtual sellout audience for the Plaza’s panto Cinderella will agree, keeping the Plaza in modern working order is a must!
The next day I went to the Volunteer Fair held in the Town Hall. What a great event; many congratulations to Suzi Shilling for making this happen. Lots of great organisations there – Unity, King Johns House, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Romsey & Waterside Lions, the Graham Hughes International Charity (a completely new organisation to me, and doing great work), the ever-busy Carnival Committee – and many more. Whilst there I signed up for one of the Health Walks run by TVBC, more about that next month! If you want to do some volunteering in and around Romsey, there is a massive amount of choice….
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And finally – a concert at the URC by the Romsey Chamber Music Festival (RCMF). This was staggeringly good and fully deserved its standing ovation. Laura Rickard (pictured) was one of the four fantastic musicians performing, and is also Artistic Director of RCMF. She is to be congratulated not only on the performance, but also on the excellent festival of chamber music that was launched on the evening which runs from the 30th of May to 4th of June. And on how the artists she gathers do outreach work with local schools – they had done just that to over 1,000 schoolchildren in the days before the concert. Do take a look at www.romseychambermusic.com for details – I shall be buying my tickets shortly!
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Laura Rickard
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10th to 16th January 2023
Well, back from my few days in Switzerland – and no mayoral event in sight (until next week). However, I was back in time to do some Front of House duties for the Plaza’s pantomime Cinderella. (A few) tickets still available!
3rd to 9th January 2023
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After the many events in the run up to Christmas, the first half of January is devoid of anything for the Mayor to do! My wife Kathrina has a family tree that is half Swiss, so she has dual nationality. Consequently we go to Switzerland pretty much every year and spent a few days of this week there. Unfortunately that meant I missed the second instalment of Wilder Romsey work on the Greater Woodley estate. Having planted a community orchard there in December, this was the replacement of some cracked and tired looking old paving slabs – lifting them and replacing with shrubs and wild flower seeding.
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If you want to get involved in any future Wilder Romsey events, just email me via [email protected] and I can put you on the google group that will keep you up to date. Your own email address will not be visible to anybody, but it will let you know what we are doing next! |
20th December to 2nd January 2023
So my penultimate carol service before Christmas Day itself was at the Romsey Opengate Christmas party, in the Abbey church rooms. Opengate – which supports stroke survivors - is yet another example of a thriving volunteer organisation that, before being mayor, I was wholly unaware of. Not only a carol service with choir, but homemade food and a visit from the real Santa – plus a look at their programme of talks and visits for the year (three every month already fully booked up!)
Tickets available soon!
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The following day I met with Liz Wagner to cover arrangements for the visit of TAE Teatro (from our twin town of Treviglio) to 2023’s Romsey Festival. They last visited in 2017, and a great impact they made too. I also finalised arrangements with Liz for the Mayor’s Charity Concert at the Abbey on March 24th – tickets available very soon! 
TAE Teatro
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And finally there was the midnight mass at the Abbey on Christmas Eve, which was every bit as joyous an occasion as you would expect. As you would also expect, I have spent more time in the Abbey during the last few weeks than at any other time in my life, and what a great privilege that has been.
In fact the Town Hall being closed until the New Year, gave me a chance to reflect on 2022 – and the eight months of it that I have spent as Mayor. I knew that Romsey was a town fortunate to be so well served by individual volunteers and volunteer organisations. What I didn’t know was quite how many; it is almost impossible to overstate how much Romsey people support each other in this way.
What I also did not anticipate, not being a regular church goer myself, is how big a part faith continues to play in strengthening the community of Romsey. Whether that is at the Abbey, or URC, or at a Quaker meeting, or at Romsey’s foodbank (established and run by the Freedom Church) or at any of the other meeting places for faiths in and around Romsey. All of these places – in contrast to most of the efforts of journalism, social media and politics – emphasize what unites us, as opposed to what divides us. Other things can do that (the 2012 London Olympics springs to mind) and whenever that happens, don’t we all feel better! So here is to a happy and more united 2023.
13th to 19th December 2022
Confession time! I omitted attendance at the first Michelmersh Silver Band Christmas concert at the Plaza from last week’s blog, as it was getting a bit long. That was a mistake, as this week’s is not going to be any shorter!
So, on Monday the 12th I went to the MSB concert which, in my opinion, was the best yet. And that makes it the best of a very good bunch indeed. So many congratulations to Claire Topp and all the many wonderful musicians in MSB (plus the ever-funny Mark Ponsford as compere), it was a really great night out.
The 13th was Mountbatten school’s carol service, held at the Abbey. A slightly biased view from my better half (as both her children attended Mountbatten) but it really was heart-warming. And as was pointed out on the night – if the musical department at Mountbatten’s grows any more successful, Romsey will need a larger Abbey! The following night was another school carol service, this time for Romsey school, and again held at the Abbey. As well as their very smart new badge, a real sense of fun was on show at this service, in no small part due to the influence of Headteacher Annie Eagle whose enthusiasm and energy was infectious.
That still left two more carol services to go…. the first on Sunday night at the United Reform Church, which was candlelit. The URC invites people from many of the other local churches to give readings and perhaps because of this wider net, the readings were excellently delivered, as were the two duets from Kirsty Newbury and Chloe Stanfield.
Which means … the final carols of my week were on Monday night. These would have been in the Market Place of course, except that it was an exceptionally wet and windy night, so instead we filled every nook and cranny of the Abbey. And by ‘we’ I mean hundreds of the good ciitzens of Romsey (and beyond) having a really great festive singalong! Many thanks to Nigel Budd and the Rotary for organising and to the Rev Thomas Wharton for hitting exactly the right notes in his words to us, not to mention his fetching red Christmas jumper and green Christmas bobble hat!
But that still leaves out two events. On Friday the 16th I attended the concert by Romsey Singers, the first half of which was excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. We, the audience, were invited to join in with the most well known bits. But frankly that was like asking a group of 24 handicap golfers to join the professional tour! With a well conducted and well disciplined choir and orchestra – joined by four superb professional soloists – we did not contribute a great deal. The quality of musicianship on show was very high indeed.
Finally, there was an interruption to this week of musical Christmas preparations. A small matter of a by-election on the 15th in Andover. Being a wholly non-political Mayor I could not possibly comment on the result of course…..
(We won).
By the time of my next blog, it will all be over (except for the least popular ones in your tin of Quality Street of course. They’ll be there to somewhen in January!). So can I wish all of you a very happy Christmas indeed!
6th to 12th December
My week began with an unusual event – a lecture arranged by the Romsey Arts Society, given by cartoonist Harry Venning. He is the author of two strip cartoons that I have been a regular reader of – namely Clare In The Community in The Guardian, and Hamlet which has been a feature of The Stage for very nearly twenty years. Harry took up drawing cartoons when his original career as an actor just wasn’t paying the bills – but the actor training came in handy for his lecture, which was both very interesting and very entertaining. And it introduced me to yet another volunteer organisation – the Arts Society – about which I had been completely unaware!
The following day I went to Stroud school to see their Key Stage 1 children perform an excellent nativity. All parents present were absolutely delighted of course, but as a non-parent I have to say that they should have been – it was a real treat. Congratulations to Head Rebecca Smith and all of her team for a really lovely show.
Thursday saw Kathrina and myself on ‘home’ territory – namely at the Plaza, to see the comedy Rules For Living. I have to say this was a first – I have seen people issued with see-through ponchos at Niagara Falls before, but never in the front two audience rows of a comedy! As the run has now finished, I can say why – namely a massive food fight towards the end of the show. This must have been great fun for the actors and was also great fun for the audience. Well done to all involved in putting this on.
Friday I stayed in the warmth of the Town Hall to see Santa, thankfully, rescued safely. The view of the Piazza – full of Romsonians cheering on Santa as the fire brigade brought him down to earth – was brilliant. And a great decision by the Town Council to have our Christmas lights on from 8 every morning….
Saturday was a wise decision. I managed to avoid the high blood pressure that would have resulted from watching the England v France game, by attending the Romsey Youth Choir Christmas celebrations in the Abbey instead. Marion and Chris Maxey do an outstanding job bringing together so many of the town’s young people for their three youth choirs (Children’s, Youth and Chamber) which also contain some extremely talented soloists. The night ended with a surprise for them both, as one of their longest standing choir members had arranged for past members to join everyone else in an emotional rendition of The Rose. A really fantastic night out – and I am delighted to say that Marion and The Romsey Youth Choir have agreed to open the Mayor’s Charity Concert on 24th March at the Abbey. The concert will be called Mixing It Up – and there will be more about that in future blogs.
29th November to 5th December
On the last day of November I was lucky enough to be guest of the Rotary Club at their meal at the Royal British Legion, where they handed over a £1000 cheque for payment into the Mayor’s charity. This was the result of the Mayor’s Picnic back when the days were hot! Many thanks to Nigel Budd (chair of the Rotary) and his colleagues for this – and to his wife Lottie, who joined the Plaza front of house team online whilst we were sat together!
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On the Saturday was the first of many events in the wonderful Romsey Abbey that I will be attending over the next three weeks. I admit to looking forward to this one in particular, as it was arranged by (and for) one of the two charities that I am supporting as Mayor – namely the George’s Trust. Not one, not two, but seven(!) different choirs, bands and orchestras royally entertained us – each one of those seven being largely, or wholly, comprised of youth members. Jane O’Brien has truly taken tragic circumstances by the scruff of the neck, and turned them into a real force for good. Jane, and everyone else associated with the Trust, are to be warmly congratulated.
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And as if the concert on Saturday wasn’t enough proof of the breadth and depth of youth talent there is in and around Romsey, on Monday I was back at the Abbey for the King Edward VI school carol concert. Some superb choral – and solo – voices going on throughout what was an excellent concert. Although I do not, of course, count my own voice. I was seated very close to the choirmaster, and my apologies to him for the distraction of my random collection of notes!
22nd to 28th November
This week was all about the weekend. Events began on Friday with something completely non-mayoral – but I have to mention it… Kathrina and I went to HMS Collingwood to see her son, Christopher, pass out of his Navy training as a mine clearance specialist. He collected his certificate – and then collected the award for best graduate on the course. That was a very good start to the weekend!
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The following day began with a Christmas Fair at the Abbey, for the Abbey. This was their first venture out of the Crosfield Hall (which they have now outgrown) and the setting was perfect. Lots of great stalls, and I hope the Abbey benefitted hugely from the event. From there I drove to the Woodley Estate where Wilder Romsey were planting a community orchard – 12 various fruit trees which will, in the near future, have wildflowers sown beneath them. As soon as photos from the event hit social media, we had a request for another such orchard elsewhere in Romsey. So look out for that in the New Year!
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But before then, of course, is Christmas. And what a showing there was that Saturday evening with the Christmas lights switch on and the carnival and lantern parades. The Carnival Committee and Town Hall team did a fantastic job again, this time with the help of the Plaza’s Ugly Sisters (and the wicked stepmother). But most of all – of course – yourselves! The Market Place and The Hundred were absolutely packed with happy Romsonians.
On the Sunday, another treat. The Romsey Chamber Orchestra has not been established that long – courtesy of Musical Director and conductor Stephen Smith. But it is already a fantastic part of Romsey’s extensive musical landscape. Symphonies by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Mozart were all a joy – as was the Overture by Schubert that began the evening. And I got an invitation to their rehearsals next year into the bargain!
15th to 21st November
My week began with a meeting of Romsey Town Council, at which we agreed to set a budget that included funds for improvement projects around the town and beyond. The budget was for the new enlarged Town Council, of course, that comes into existence in April next year and which will include most of what is now Romsey Extra. The aim will be to prioritise a list of potential improvements to the whole area, and set about it once the new council is formed….
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Friday was the first of two Christmas fairs at the Crosfield – this first one being a fundraiser for the Romsey Show. It is only the second year that Romsey Show have run one of these events, but it is already a great success. With the support of the ukulele orchestra, Romsey Show President Heather Whitham and Romsey Show Chair Ruth Harper-Adams are to be congratulated on an excellent day. |
Stood with Romsey Show President Heather Whitham and Romsey Show Chair Ruth Harper-Adams
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A fun visit to Romsey Signal Box
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The following day was a full one! It began with another Christmas fair at the Crosfield, courtesy of Romsey Joint Charities – which enabled a total of 20 local and national charities to benefit. These included the RNLI, Romdag, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, and many others. The Joint Charities team did a great job after the enforced break of the last couple of years. Later that day was the official opening of the outstanding new sports and community facilities at Ganger Farm (if you haven’t been there yet, I recommend it). And then a visit to Romsey’s Signal Box. My thanks to Dick Hewett for a really enjoyable tour of what has become one of Romsey’s big success stories, in so many ways. Though I am not sure I was dressed for being a signalman! I was suitably dressed, however, for an excellent evening of entertainment at the Plaza. Jeeves And Wooster was very funny, very clever, and very well acted and directed. And, I am glad to say, played to virtually a full house. All concerned are to be warmly thanked – and that includes the audiences, who are now returning in pre-Covid numbers.
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8th to 14th November
I have to start with something that I could not make, namely a Wilder Romsey session at Abbotswood helping to clear scrub etc. Unfortunately my days between now and Christmas are very full, so I couldn’t make this event on the Wednesday – but many thanks to everyone who did.
Two days later of course were events that could not be missed. Firstly the Armistice ceremony at 11am on the 11th in the Memorial Park. As ever a well-attended and poignant event, helped by the members of the Fort Cumberland Guard who fired a cannon to both begin and end the two minute silence. And the sight of pupils from Abbey School laying crosses made it clear that future generations will indeed ‘remember them’.
Laying a wreath
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Romsey residents gathering to remember
Leading the Parade
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That evening, Kathrina and I also attended the Michelmersh Silver Band concert at the United Reform Church, in aid of the poppy appeal. Claire Topp of MSB is to be congratulated for putting together an enjoyable and memorable evening - the poem read by Mike Bull whilst music was played by MSB being particularly so. Or, should I say, the award-winning MSB (having just come away (yet again) from a successful competition weekend).
The following evening was a very different concert; the impressive Durufle’s Requiem and Haydn’s Nelson Mass in the Abbey courtesy of the Romsey Choral Society. The combination of professional soloists and orchestra, together with the 60+ members of the choir, did Musical Director (and conductor) Richard Pearce proud. Our town has, I’m told, at least ten regularly performing choirs.
On Sunday I felt, as I did this time last year as Deputy Mayor, extremely well drilled! Chief Officer Judith Giles and her team do a great job of organising the civic party for an event that has to be a poignant highlight of the Romsey year. The Remembrance service in the Abbey, the packed Memorial Park to witness the Act of Remembrance, and the parade in the Market Place all combine to show our fantastic town and community at its absolute best.
1st to 7th November
At 8.45pm on the 18th of April 1930, the scheduled 15 minutes of BBC radio news consisted of the announcer saying "There is no news" followed by piano music that lasted until 9pm. Despite the fact that November looks like being my busiest month as Mayor - and there were certainly lots of other things going on in the last seven days, including a day filming as an extra for Call The Midwife in one of the churches used for Four Weddings And A Funeral - for the first week of November I can report … There is no (mayoral) news! (although you are going to have to imagine the piano music).
25th to 31st October
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A couple of first on Saturday…. The first canal side clear up of the 2022/23 season – and it was very noticeable how much farther we could cover this year than last, because of last year’s work. Twelve months ago progress was slow because of the number of very large brambles. But that clearance meant that most of what we were clearing this time was nettles – a far easier prospect! There will be further sessions by the canal – and also at Abbotswood and Woodley – over the coming months.
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Volunteers doing a wonderful job clearing the canal
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The other first was my first ever time in the audience of a NOMADS show. I hadn’t realised until then the role that NOMADS played in the very existence of Woodley Hall (a direct parallel with RAODS and the Crosfield Hall) – for that alone they are to be congratulated. As well as for their continuation as a group that is so self-evidently welcoming, inclusive and … happy! A big well done to all of them.
Sunday was all about the fund-raiser at the Plaza for the Mayor’s charities (which I may have mentioned before….) I am delighted to say that it exceeded expectations with over 160 in the audience, all of whom left the theatre having been well entertained. And the entertainers themselves were pretty well chuffed too – we should definitely try and repeat this as a fund raiser, not least because it raised just under £1500.
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And finally – photos in the Market Place with a number of other Councillors and HCC/TVBC officers. Why? Well every year there is something called the Solent Quality Awards – three awards in fact. One for a scheme that enhances the Solent area, a judges award for their personal favourite entry, and another award for the scheme with most votes from the general public. And Romsey’s Market Place beame the first ever winner of all three awards in the same year. And rightly so – it has really had a hugely beneficial impact on the town. So a big thank you to all involved in its creation, which absolutely includes Cllr Mark Cooper and past councillor Clive Collier. |
Myself with Cllr Mark Cooper and former Cllr Ian Richards, standing proud with our two awards.
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18th to 24th October
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As well as a second rehearsal for the Mayor’s Charity Concert (I won’t go on about it I promise – show starts at 7.30pm on October 30th, tickets still available and it will be lots of fun and is for two good causes!) this last week has seen the welcome opening of a new retail unit in Romsey. Namely the Fig And Fox with a varied offering to Romsey residents and Romsey visitors – from coffee and (fantastic) cakes through to unusual cards and wrapping paper, via greenery of all sorts. And lots of other stuff too. James and Helen Mitchell – the owners of this new venture – are to be congratulated. It is well worth popping in to take a look.
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Enjoying the opening of the fabulous Fig & Fox
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My third time on the Plaza stage this week (having had a small role in RAODS’ Haunting of Hill House and (did I mention this) the rehearsal for the 30th October Mayors Charity show) was for the prize giving to Romsey District Scouts. All ages were getting their awards for progressing up the scouting ladder as well as progress on the Duke of Edinburgh’s awards scheme. I was truly privileged to shake the hand of so many enthusiastic and determined members of the next generation.
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Prize giving - Romsey District Scouts
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10th to 17th October
Now I could regale residents with tales from my extended stay in Italy after the twinning visit. Or the day in London with two excellent and very different shows when I got back (Abba Voyage and Witness For The Prosecution). But the truth is I was on holiday, so from a mayoral perspective - nothing to report this week!
4th to 10th October 2022
This week has been all about a trip to one of our three twinned towns, namely Treviglio in italy. All organised and managed by the town's active twinning association - chaired by Roland Matthews - rather than the Town Council. But I was asked by our Italian counterparts to take the chain and regalia for a ceremony to sign a renewal of the friendship agreement between Treviglio and Romsey. This time in their town (the first such signing being held in Romsey Abbey in 2014).
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So if any of you wondered why one of the new roads joining Cupernham Lane is called Treviglio Close - now you know! And a more welcoming town than Treviglio it would be hard to find - as you can see. Standing in what was a monastery having the town band playing God Save The King - and then the Italian national anthem - followed by a formal signing and speeches was an unexpected and slightly unworldly privilege. Not to mention subsequently being interviewed by the local TV station!
28th September to 3rd October 2022
There is nothing like having three AGMs in one day, two of them as Chair of Trustees! As Mayor I get to be a trustee of both of the almshouses in the town – Bartlett’s and Kent’s – and they both had their AGM last Wednesday. All volunteers involved are clearly doing an excellent job – but particular mention to John Lacey, retiring after decades as a trustee, most recently as Treasurer for Bartlett’s. And then the evening was at RAODS AGM – I am happy to report that the Plaza is coming well out of the Covid hiaitus, with a full programme of shows over the coming year.
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One of those shows will be the Mayors Charity show on October 30th – Songs From The Shows in the first half, and Old Time Music Hall after the interval. We had our first get-together on Friday of those who will be taking part, which will be a gathering of talent from the area (not only from RAODS). Do come along! 
Treorchy Male Voice Choir
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See you there!
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The following night I was lucky enough to be a guest of Romsey Male Voice Choir at the Abbey, and their guests in turn were the Treorchy Male Voice Choir. As you can imagine, it was a fantastic evening of powerful songs -and all in aid of an excellent cause, namely research and support for sufferers of prostate cancer.
20th to 27th September 2022
On Thursday I was guest of the Test Valley Mayor – Cllr Alan Dowden – at an event called ‘Showcasing Test Valley’, held at Hilliers Gardens. This was another chain gang moment, i.e. there was a collection of Mayors from all over Hampshire. It was a good reminder of how many great aspects of Test Valley there are – not least Hilliers which, I learned, has double the number of ‘champion’ trees (i.e. the biggest and best of their species in the UK) that Kew Gardens has!
Mayors of Test Valley
Friday was a lovely visit to the residents of the Kent’s almshouse in Middlebridge Street. A very welcoming and friendly group of people who are, I am very pleased to say, delighted to be residents there.
Monday and Tuesday involved some council business – the latter being a full council meeting of Romsey Town Council. On the Monday I met with Cllr John Parker – the leader of Romsey Extra Parish Council – and Grahame Jackson – leader of Awbridge Parish Council. March 31st 2023 will be the last day that Romsey Extra Parish Council exists, with most of it moving into an expanded Romsey Town parish, and a relatively small area moving into Awbridge. This is a significant change in local government, and Cllr Parker and I agreed to mark the occasion in some way next year.
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Both Monday and Tuesday were at Romsey Town Hall – and I cannot not mention that Kathrina and I were married there on 22nd September 2012. Consequently I arranged a surprise party in the room we were married in – and I have to thank all the Town Hall staff involved in helping to make it a really memorable occasion. It is a great place for a party, and a great place for a wedding – bookings still available!
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Council Chamber, Romsey Town Hall
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13th to 19th September 2022
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A week rightly dominated by events surrounding the late Queen nevertheless began at The White Horse with the Annual General Meeting for the small group of volunteers (of whom I am very pleased to now be one) who organise the Beggar’s Fair. It seemed odd to be discussing celebrations for next year but, at the same time, life does go on. Sunday, on the other hand, was another show of Romsey at its finest. A packed Abbey taking part in a simple but appropriate service for her late majesty. And that, of course, was followed the next day by a show of the UK at its finest. It is not only that the Queen’s funeral was flawless, it is the fact that we all knew it would be. As one journalist wrote, it does feel like the end of the post-war era – moving into a time where the second world war is still very much part of our history of course, but no longer dominates so much of our culture. Which it certainly did both when I was growing up, and later. The end of the new Elizabethan age does move us on to something else….
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Queen Elizabeth II during her Royal visit to Romsey, June 2007
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6th to 12th September 2022
What can be said about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that hasn’t been said – and will be said – many times. For my entire life, until now, the monarchy meant her. A constant presence throughout national celebrations, national tragedies, wars, Christmases, Olympics, moon landings, and every shade of political change. And she was always there through her own family’s ups and downs – as well as my own. From my first glimpse of her in a passing limousine as she went to open the new Lymington Town Hall – with me having been taken in a crocodile line from my infant school in Pennington to stand by the side of the road and wave – through to watching her greet her 15th Prime Minister with a broad smile. A long lifetime of service and duty by someone who once confessed a desire to - even if only once - be able to blend into the background in a room full of people. Thank you ma’am.
Queen Elizabeth II -
​1926 - 2022
Life, of course, goes on. On Saturday I was at the Romsey Show. The first one in three years, and which only went ahead after consultation with Countess Mountbatten. It is exactly the sort of event that Queen Elizabeth would have wanted to go ahead herself – it was heart-warming to see so many people there.
On Sunday I attended an Information Day at the Crosfield, organised by Romsey Dementia Action Group (Romdag). The downside of us all living longer is, unfortunately, an increase in the number of people affected by dementia – at least two million of us are either suffering from the condition, or are acting as carer to someone who does. I have some history with Romdag, as an associated group – Green Buttercup – has been holding craft events at the Plaza Theatre for many years now. There were many excellent organisations there and my thanks go to people like Di Metters of Romdag, Pamela Eastwood of Green Buttercup and Jane Ward of Dementia Friendly Hampshire – plus many others – for all their hard work.
And finally, and appropriately, I attended the proclamation of our new monarch – King Charles III – at the War Memorial Park. I have no doubt that King Charles will excel in his new role, and that we will all rapidly get used to singing God Save The King. However, it does seem very appropriate that the last time I ever sang the National Anthem whilst his mother was on the throne, was at the memorial service for Lord Louis Mountbatten on the 4th of this month.
30th August to 5th September 2022
One of the roles of Mayor is to act as Chair of the charity that supports the Bartlett’s Almshouses. Like so much in our town, this is an organisation that depends on its volunteers – particularly volunteers like John Lacey. Having spent many years as Clerk to the charity Trustees, he has more recently taken the role of Treasurer. But he has now decided to retire, as at the 28th of this month. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John – and all other volunteers like him – for their invaluable service to the town’s community.
And on the subject of service – on Sunday I attended the annual memorial service to commemorate Lord Louis Mountbatten’s passing. It is, incredibly, now 43 years since that awful event. And understandably the branch of the British Legion established in his name, has dwindled in membership numbers over those years. So much so that they formally disbanded at this service, their colours being handed over to Romsey Abbey in perpetuity – with the name of the Romsey branch of the British Legion being changed, in order to acknowledge that they will now assume the responsibility of keeping Lord Louis’ memory alive. Whatever the difficulties we face today – and they are many – the day that peace came to Northern Ireland (and by extension the rest of the British Isles) was a great one.
23rd to 29th August 2022
Just the one outing this week – but it was a good one! And it was courtesy of Andover Mayor Cllr David Coole. Namely the Andover Festival of Motoring. I confess to knowing not much more about cars than I do about rap music or Greco-Roman wrestling – in other words, not very much. Nonetheless, together with past Test Valley mayor Cllr Martin Hatley, I found myself awarding the prizes for best Classic Car, best Sports Car, best Adapted Car and Best In Show (in competition with the many excellent motorbikes present).
Photo Credit: Andover Advertiser
All the cars, motorbikes and trikes there were excellent. The best Sports Car went to a unique kit car, the best Classic to a 1939 MG, the best Adapted Car to an astonishing mix of air brushed tigers paintwork, uniquely tailored body panels, and an interior of black leather and diamante – all of it transforming what was originally a … (no idea, told you I didn’t know about cars. But some sort of minivan). And the best in show went to an immaculate mini, worked on to perfection by someone entering the festival for the 8th time (who had never having previously won anything). He had given his mini the name Mabel – because his other pride and joy was a BMW called Mack.
16th to 22nd August 2022
My first outing as Mayor this week was a very enjoyable one – namely to the residential home just off Mill Lane, that is part of the Abbeyfield Wessex Society group. The occasion was their summer party and all residents – plus their guests, and me – were treated to drinks, excellent food, live music from a professional singer, and a really good natter. One of those residents, Sue Martin, is a long-time member of Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (owners of the Plaza) as were her three guests. So my thanks to Sally Martin, and the Manager and all of the team at Abbeyfield House, for a really enjoyable time. And apologies if all they kept hearing was Plaza this and Plaza that!
With the wonderful team at Abbeyfield House
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Talking with some of the lovely residents of Abbeyfield House
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Later that same day I attended a Romsey Town Council committee meeting, which agreed a new award for citizenship / contribution to the community – as well as to relaunch the long standing council award for improving the local environment. Both will be considered several times each year from now on, and any awards given will be handed out at Full Council meetings. So watch this space! As I mentioned at my Mayor making, I have never come across a place with as many community minded volunteers as Romsey – so finding candidates will not be difficult!
Later in the week – in the Mayor’s role as Chair of the relevant Trustee Board – I attended the funeral of one of the residents of one of our town’s almshouses. Funerals always have a deal of sadness about them, of course. But I have to say that – rightly – they have also become, increasingly, occasions used to celebrate a life. Although I had never met the lady concerned, I did come away with a knowledge of her life, and of the people who shared and enjoyed that life with her. And that, in all honesty, was a genuinely uplifting experience.
9th to 15th August 2022
The team at Aura Hair Design in Romsey were recently joined by Diana, who left the Ukraine three months ago because of the war. So everyone there decided to run a charity event whereby your haircut or blowdry was free – provided that you made a donation to Diana’s chosen charity (Save The Children). I was delighted to go along and support this event – out of which I got a decent cup of tea, a lot of fun, and a very nice haircut (if I say so myself!)
Stood with the wonderul team at Aura
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Looking snazzy getting my hair cut!
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The following morning was something much quieter. Anne Chillingworth had attended my mayor making and introduced herself as one of the local members of the Quakers. I asked to attend one of their meetings, as I had always wondered exactly what it was like and did think that an hour or so of silence in today’s hectic world would be a good thing. I was supplied with lots of interesting information about the Society of Friends before the day – including the fact that there was a Quaker Meeting House in Romsey in the 18th century – and then took part in the meeting on the Sunday morning at the Carers Together rooms in Love Lane. These meetings happen there twice every month, and everyone is most welcome.
The following morning was something much quieter. Anne Chillingworth had attended my mayor making and introduced herself as one of the local members of the Quakers. I asked to attend one of their meetings, as I had always wondered exactly what it was like and did think that an hour or so of silence in today’s hectic world would be a good thing. I was supplied with lots of interesting information about the Society of Friends before the day – including the fact that there was a Quaker Meeting House in Romsey in the 18th century – and then took part in the meeting on the Sunday morning at the Carers Together rooms in Love Lane. These meetings happen there twice every month, and everyone is most welcome.
It was a real pleasure to just stop. We are, nowadays, almost constantly bombarded with information. To spend an hour – particularly in the company of others – doing nothing but thinking (not even that, unless you wanted to), was both relaxing and refreshing. Especially followed as it was by tea and a biscuit and an interesting natter! Whether my much younger self would have found it quite as relaxing, I don’t know. But I would urge everyone – whether at a Quaker meeting or in some other way – to, every now and then, switch off the mobile and just be still for a while.
2nd to 8th August
Only the one mayoral event this week – but it was a cracker!
The 300+ volunteers at the Plaza Theatre had not held an Open Day since 2017, so one was long overdue. And this one was well publicised, with volunteers running a stall at the front, technicians demonstrating the audio and lighting equipment, the wardrobe mistress taking people through the extensive costumes and props stores, the workshop manager taking people through how that is used and what is stored there, a selection of youth members demonstrating one of their youth workshops, and the directors of the November and December 2022 shows talking potential cast members through each of those productions.
As I am now in my 20th year as a member – and my 10th as a Trustee – I did the initial tours of the place. Which were – literally – non-stop from 9.30am to 2.15pm. Every one of the 300+ members is rightly proud of the Plaza and, after this open day, there will be a few more of us!
The 300+ volunteers at the Plaza Theatre had not held an Open Day since 2017, so one was long overdue. And this one was well publicised, with volunteers running a stall at the front, technicians demonstrating the audio and lighting equipment, the wardrobe mistress taking people through the extensive costumes and props stores, the workshop manager taking people through how that is used and what is stored there, a selection of youth members demonstrating one of their youth workshops, and the directors of the November and December 2022 shows talking potential cast members through each of those productions.
As I am now in my 20th year as a member – and my 10th as a Trustee – I did the initial tours of the place. Which were – literally – non-stop from 9.30am to 2.15pm. Every one of the 300+ members is rightly proud of the Plaza and, after this open day, there will be a few more of us!
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26th July to 1st August 2022
With the school holidays upon us, a second quiet week from the Mayor’s perspective. Just the one thing to note – namely chairing the meeting of Romsey Town Council where:
There is one item in my diary coming up next week – the Open Day at the Plaza Theatre on 6th August. If you fancy a tour backstage and/or hearing more about what happens at the Plaza, then get yourself along there between 10am and 2pm!
- Sergeant Chris Challis gave us a report on local policing which, I am glad to say, continued to confirm what a very safe town we live in
- We agreed to improvements in lighting and audio equipment in the Council Chamber, which will enhance the space for future hirers
- We endorsed the updated Vision statement for Romsey Future – which includes a representative from Romsey Town Council (Cllr John Critchley) now being on the Romsey Future Programme Board
There is one item in my diary coming up next week – the Open Day at the Plaza Theatre on 6th August. If you fancy a tour backstage and/or hearing more about what happens at the Plaza, then get yourself along there between 10am and 2pm!
19th to 25th July 2022
It is no surprise that – as the school summer holidays approach, and then begin – the number of events in the town reduces. So this last week has been the first since my mayor making in May with absolutely nothing in the diary. So other than a quick catch-up meeting with the Mayor of Andover, Cllr David Coole, at the beginning of the week, I have nothing to report!
12th to 18th July 2022
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Having excelled themselves in the organisation of Romsey’s Jubilee street party, the Romsey Carnival Committee continued a great year for them by organising the children’s fun run, and bed race, in the town centre on Tuesday evening. A great deal of fun was had by all (including me), with a post office team being worthy winners in the bed race – having overcome obstacles such as stopping to bob for apples, having assorted cream pies hurled at them, crawling under netting covered in mud (yes it was mud, despite being called something else!) and multi-coloured powder being flung over them. Under orders, I was one of the powder-flingers – ending up with the hands of your local smurf!
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Cllr John Ray, laughing at my smurf hands!
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On Tuesday it was a complete contrast, as I visited Jane Scarth House. I was shown all the facilities by Sarah Rowcliff and Rachel Tucker – and what great things they do there. In an entirely different way, every bit as uplifting as the mayhem of the bed race. As we live longer now, the probability of getting cancer at some point in our lives has increased to 1 in 2 – though thankfully treatments and survival rates are also much improved. But what is needed – and our over-stretched NHS cannot really provide – are the befriending, counselling and complimentary therapies that Jane Scarth House focuses on. A great place which is now – after the difficulties imposed by Covid – fully open.
With Sarah Rowcliffe of Jane Scarth House
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With Rachel Tucker of Jane Scarth House
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All aboard the Carnival bus!
On Saturday I was once again the guest of Romsey’s Carnival Committee. This time judging the carnival entries (a big well done to the three winners – the Star Inn, Rainbow Cubs, and the Little family members) before joining the procession on top of the Wheelers bus, together with the carnival ‘royal party’. That was a great experience, albeit one I had to cut short in order to get to the Plaza in time for the last performance of their show Villette. Romsey is a town with so much going on!
5th to 11th July 2022
On Saturday 9th July – as if you didn’t know! – the Beggars Fair returned to Romsey, for the first time in three years. This event began 28 years ago, with one cart and some straw bales as a venue. By comparison, this year’s was the biggest yet. As well as Mayoral involvement – opening the event, and joining Test Valley’s Mayor (Alan Dowden) to open the youth events in the Memorial Park – I am now on the Beggar’s Fair committee. Though I must apologise to my fellow committee members (and particularly to the Chair, David Vane) for being largely absent since joining (it has been a busy year) – I will do better next year, I promise!
Saying (not singing!) a few words at the opening of Beggars Fair 2022
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People enjoying the youth events in the Memorial Park
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I helped set up some of the stalls, starting before 7am. And in this hot spell of weather, that was a glorious time to be in the centre of our town. From my allotted spot near the Abbey I watched a fantastic local choir (Achoiring Voices), then Michelmersh Silver Band, guitar duo Panasomos, a delightful Bulgarian Dance Group (based in Eastleigh!) and the energetic combination of brass instruments and south American numbers that is Tuba Libres. And that was just at one venue – the variety around the town as a whole was fantastic. The event has developed into two parts really – the daytime, family friendly, huge variety of performers at various places around the town. Which then morphs into the more adult-focussed playing of music in pretty much all of the pubs that Romsey has. It is really only the first part that the Beggars Fair itself organises, but both parts bring a huge amount of visitors and money to the town – so well done all involved.
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With Test Valley Mayor, Cllr Alan Dowden
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Bartlett's Almshouses, The Meads
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My other Mayoral duty in the last week was a meeting with the Secretary of Bartlett’s Almshouses. One of the pleasures of being Mayor is finding out more about the history of our town. And these Almshouses were originally set up in 1807 by John Bartlett in Middle Brook Street. Subsequently they were rebuilt in their current location – on the corner of The Meads and the road to the Abbey. The walk past them – starting in The Marketplace and ending at the Memorial Park – is one of my favourite parts of the town. |
28th June to 4th July 2022
On the first day of July I attended the Embley Senior School speech day. As ever, some excellent pupil musicians on show plus accomplished speeches from the ‘retiring’ head girl and head boy (Charlotte Lee and Jack Hales). And in addition to the always entertaining speech by Headmaster Cliff Canning, the ITN newscaster (now GB News) Alastair Stewart gave us his very funny and pertinent thoughts as Guest speaker.
At Embley School with retiring Head Boy Jack Hales and Head Girl Charlotte Lee, Celia Dowden and Cllr Mark Cooper
Later that day, Kathrina and I had the pleasure of going to the pre-launch of The Duke On The Test and joining Lawrie McMenemy MBE for the official opening. As any of you who have subsequently visited the place will have seen, the team responsible for this fantastic investment in our area have done a really great job. From the planting at the front, via the Thelwell picture in the bar to the excellent new suite of bedrooms – the whole place is high quality. Do take a trip out there.
Ribbon cutting at the opening of The Duke on the Test
On Saturday, we had the treat of being guests of Romsey Choral Society – in their 40th year – as they performed The Dream of Gerontius in Romsey Abbey, together with the City of Southampton Orchestra. The acoustics in the Abbey, being as good as they are, made what was an excellent performance even better!
Mayor's picnic table
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Children's Music
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And then … there was the Mayor’s Picnic! Perfect weather (not too hot, and dry), three years since the last one, a huge number of stalls, lots of entertainment, and fantastic organisation by Romsey Test Rotary all led to a hugely successful event. From before the official opening at noon all the way through to the end of the event at 5pm, the Memorial Park was packed with people enjoying themselves. There were innovations – like the picnic table full of local Mayors and parish council leaders – and old favourites – like the soakabloka (as I found to my cost!) Three Rotarians must get a mention here for what was a great day, namely the outgoing President Roger Shepherd, the newly appointed President Nigel Budd, and the primary organiser of the day – Peter Hurst. A big thank you to them and all of the other Rotarians involved. One measure of their success … all 2,500 ducks for the duck race had been bought by about 4pm. Fantastic!
With Rotary President Nigel Budd
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soakabloka!
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21st to 27th June 2022
My becoming a local councillor began by becoming Chair at the Plaza. It was because I was in that role that I ended up as one of the workstream leads in Romsey Future, the organisation designed to act as a two-way channel between Romsey residents and TVBC – as well as providing Romsey residents the means to run their own local improvement projects re Romsey as a place to live. So, as I have said before, not strictly a Mayoral thing but … Tuesday was the first meeting of a new Programme Board for Romsey Future. And it was great to see a number of new faces there including representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Transition Town Romsey and Youth In Romsey (amongst others). The more that residents involve themselves in Romsey Future, the better for us all.
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The rest of the week was somewhat more musical! On Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending a joint concert of our very own Romsey Male Voice Choir, together with a mixed choir from the Manchester area called Notability. The concert was in Thornden Hall, which meant I also got to meet Eastleigh’s Mayor – Adam Manning – and we swapped some stories! A really very enjoyable evening – even if it did come at the end of a day that began in Cornwall…. |
With Eastleigh Mayor, Adam Manning and RMVC host
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The music continued the following day with a concert at the Crosfield Hall by Romsey Chamber Orchestra. This orchestra was founded by conductor Stephen Smith, and no sooner had they performed their first three concerts than Covid19 kept them away from public performance for two years. You wouldn’t have known – the concert was excellent. Stephen is to be congratulated at the standard of play from a group of 40 people who very nearly all come from within less than ten miles of Romsey’s town centre. There is a lot of talent in this town!
Romsey Chamber Orchestra
14th to 20th June 2022
The week started with what was not strictly a mayoral event – namely giving a talk to Mottisfont and Dunbridge WI on Wilder Romsey, the community group that I founded last year. However, the part of the talk that generated most audience reaction was when I touched on Romsey Future and how that led to me being a councillor. No party politics – just what the three tiers of local government are (and are not) responsible for, and how that ties in with central government. Sounds as dry as dust! But the members of the WI were very interested – as were the members of the Romsey Men’s Shed when I gave the same talk to them. So if anyone else out there wants a talk on that, and/or Wilder Romsey, and/or the Plaza Theatre…
Beautiful flowers at Houghton Lodge Gardens
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The Peacock Garden, Houghton Lodge Gardens
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On Wednesday I was at a tourism in Test Valley meeting, regularly arranged by Tourism South East and the VIC Manager Julia West, held at the fantastic Houghton Lodge and Gardens (well worth a visit). I’ve gone to these meetings previously (and this time) as Chair of the Plaza Theatre. But, as Romsey Mayor, I asked for invitations to go to the Mayor of Andover (David Coole) and the Chair of Stockbridge Parish Council (Alex Lawrence). Romsey clearly has great attractions for visitors – Romsey itself, the Abbey and Paulton’s to name just a few. But Test Valley is fortunate beyond that. The northern half of the borough has the Army Flying Museum, Hawk Conservancy Trust and Whitchurch Silk Mill – again, to name just a few. And between lies Stockbridge, right at the heart of one of Test Valley’s most significant sources of visitor income – namely the Test and fishing. Promoting Test Valley as a brand benefits all of us in the borough, including Romsey!
Flag raising ceremony
The week ended with the raising of the flag for the Armed Forces outside the Former Magistrates Court, attended by myself and the Mayoress of Test Valley Cllr Celia Dowden, together with representatives from the services and British Legion. I have to say that the short service meant more to me this year, given that my stepson has only very recently joined the Royal Navy.
7th to 13th June 2022
When I took on the role of Mayor, one thing I commented on was the strength Romsey’s community, including the huge number of volunteers we have. So I was delighted to go to the volunteer fair in the Town Hall on Tuesday. Most volunteer groups have seen something of a dip in numbers post-Covid, and the fair’s aim was to recruit a few new people.
Groups included Jane Scarth House, Hampshire Constabulary, Romsey Dementia Action Group, Romsey Opportunity Group (for pre-school support to those with special needs), Citizens Advice, and Brendon Care (for our older residents). With apologies to those I missed!
Wednesday evening I saw Stroud School’s production of Oliver!, performed at the Dobson Theatre in King Edward VI school. As Chair of the Plaza I would say this wouldn’t I, but it is really important that children get the opportunity to perform in live theatre. It builds confidence and fires off imagination – and this was their first opportunity to do both in three years. All of the cast, and all of the audience, clearly had a great time (especially the pupil whose character gives the teacher playing Mr Bumble a clip round the ear!) A really enjoyable show – well done to all involved.
When I took on the role of Mayor, one thing I commented on was the strength Romsey’s community, including the huge number of volunteers we have. So I was delighted to go to the volunteer fair in the Town Hall on Tuesday. Most volunteer groups have seen something of a dip in numbers post-Covid, and the fair’s aim was to recruit a few new people.
Groups included Jane Scarth House, Hampshire Constabulary, Romsey Dementia Action Group, Romsey Opportunity Group (for pre-school support to those with special needs), Citizens Advice, and Brendon Care (for our older residents). With apologies to those I missed!
Wednesday evening I saw Stroud School’s production of Oliver!, performed at the Dobson Theatre in King Edward VI school. As Chair of the Plaza I would say this wouldn’t I, but it is really important that children get the opportunity to perform in live theatre. It builds confidence and fires off imagination – and this was their first opportunity to do both in three years. All of the cast, and all of the audience, clearly had a great time (especially the pupil whose character gives the teacher playing Mr Bumble a clip round the ear!) A really enjoyable show – well done to all involved.
Stroud School production of Oliver!
There were two events I would like to have attended on Friday 10th – a local business networking event at The Cromwell Arms, and the Good Neighbours AGM. But as I was attending my stepson’s passing out parade from Royal Navy training in Plymouth (I wouldn’t have missed that for the world) I couldn’t be in three places at once! So many thanks to Councillor John Parker and Deputy Town Mayor John Ray respectively, who stood in for me. So if you invite the Mayor to your event, you will get somebody from the council making themselves available - even if I cannot make it.
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Finally, on the Sunday there was the Open Day at the fire station. This was easy to find – all I had to do was follow the queue of families that started at the fire station and wound back nearly all the way to Waitrose! Many thanks to Station Manager Rikki Noble for taking the time to show me how the fire service works so closely with other services and groups now (police and ambulance obviously, but also the Environment Agency, Blood Bikers, the Fire Fighters Charity, and more). A really great day – many thanks to the Romsey Fire Station and everyone associated with it for the open day (of course) and all of the other days when their work is so vital to us.
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People enjoying the Fire Station Open Day
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31st May to 6th June 2022
The first day of June saw me planting a tree in the wonderful grounds of Marie Louise House nursing home. Inevitably there was a short shower during the event, but that didn’t dampen spirits. Particularly not the spirits of resident Jean Moody – a long-standing stalwart of the Plaza Theatre. We had an excellent natter about Plaza past and future!
The next day began with a tour of the LTVAS exhibition in the Town Hall. After 50 years in existence – and with around 300 members – the number of publications that this local history group has put together is astonishing (many of them written by prolific historian Phoebe Merrick). Romsey is very well documented thanks to them, and their workshop meetings in the Town Hall basement on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings, are well worth a visit.
The 2nd of June ended with the 111th AGM of the Romsey District Scouts in the Dr Peter Centre. Queen Elizabeth II is the fifth monarch that they have operated under, and they are still going as strong as ever (though if there are any budding scout leaders out there, do get in touch with them)….
And between those two events … Romsey at its absolute finest! The Carnival Committee – and all the local individuals and businesses who sponsored this event – cannot be thanked enough for the street party in The Hundred. There were not hundreds but thousands of Romsonians enjoying themselves in the sun. And a special mention to the man who I will hand over the mayorship to in May next year – John Ray. As Chair of the Carnival Committee he did a great job both before the day, and on the day. Fantastic.
The next day began with a tour of the LTVAS exhibition in the Town Hall. After 50 years in existence – and with around 300 members – the number of publications that this local history group has put together is astonishing (many of them written by prolific historian Phoebe Merrick). Romsey is very well documented thanks to them, and their workshop meetings in the Town Hall basement on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings, are well worth a visit.
The 2nd of June ended with the 111th AGM of the Romsey District Scouts in the Dr Peter Centre. Queen Elizabeth II is the fifth monarch that they have operated under, and they are still going as strong as ever (though if there are any budding scout leaders out there, do get in touch with them)….
And between those two events … Romsey at its absolute finest! The Carnival Committee – and all the local individuals and businesses who sponsored this event – cannot be thanked enough for the street party in The Hundred. There were not hundreds but thousands of Romsonians enjoying themselves in the sun. And a special mention to the man who I will hand over the mayorship to in May next year – John Ray. As Chair of the Carnival Committee he did a great job both before the day, and on the day. Fantastic.
Cutting cake with Roland Matthews, Chair of Romsey Twinning
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Kathrina and I with Cllr John Ray, Chair of the Carnival Committee, (looking dapper in his Union Flag suit) and his wife Rose
Celebrating with the winners of the best decorated table.
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Saturday 4th June included a party in the Abbotswood Community Centre complete with bouncy castle, ukelele orchestra and circus performer. The Trustees and Sue Harvey – the Centre manager – do a fantastic job of making the Centre a vibrant and active focus for Abbotswood. The day continued with a thanksgiving service at the Abbey, in recognition of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It was a lovely service, enhanced by two performances from Romsey Youth Choir. It also led me – as there were six of us there – to google what the collective noun for mayors is. Apparently it is a ‘magnificence’ … hmmm, not sure how I feel about that!
And finally on the Sunday – as a cat owner for many years - I was the obvious choice (not!) to judge a ‘best puppy’ competition at the Dogstival event on Broadlands. But I did my best, and I hope those who didn’t win were not too disappointed. The event is certainly an excellent addition to Romsey’s extensive calendar of reasons for visitors to come to our town. This is only the fourth year since Lymington’s Richard and Domine Nowell came up with the idea of Dogstival - but it has already become a large and extremely popular show.
24th - 30th May
Week two of being Mayor began with the official opening of Romsey’s foodbank in Greatbridge Business Park off Budd’s Lane. Speaking personally I feel it is a great shame that a country as wealthy as ours has a need for foodbanks – yet there is no doubt that such a need exists. And the volunteers and helpers there do a fantastic job in what is rapidly becoming – given all of the other means of support that they provide – a distribution centre for help in the town. Shout out to the manager of the foodbank, Jo Topley, who – after six years being key to the success of this place – will shortly be moving on to new challenges.
Speaking with the fantastic team at Romsey Foodbank
Later that same day I chaired my first meeting of Romsey Town Council. Happy to report that all is financially healthy at your Town Hall, with community use of the Town Hall growing – thanks to our Chief Officer (Judith Giles) and her excellent team.
The week continued with a superb production of The Railway Children at the Plaza Theatre. For a town as comparatively small as ours to not only have an entirely volunteer owned and managed theatre (now into its fifth decade) but also one that provides such a high volume and quality of drama, music and comedy – is genuinely exceptional. In the UK we tend to say Am-Dram, but in America they say Community Theatre – and I think that is a more accurate description. The Plaza is having an open day on August 6th (from 10am), so do take the opportunity to go along and see all of the various activities on offer – you might like to take part in one or more of them!
Kathrina and I with some of the cast of the production of The Railway Children at the Plaza.
My week ended as guest of the Revd Mike Perrott at a ‘Songs of Praise’ service in the United Reform Church, this being the first Platinum Jubilee event for me (there will be more next week, which I am very much looking forward to). I took the opportunity to give a reading that said how important it is to get out there and meet people. After the lockdowns and isolation caused by Covid19, that does seem particularly important – and I am delighted to see it happening in our town.
My week ended as guest of the Revd Mike Perrott at a ‘Songs of Praise’ service in the United Reform Church, this being the first Platinum Jubilee event for me (there will be more next week, which I am very much looking forward to). I took the opportunity to give a reading that said how important it is to get out there and meet people. After the lockdowns and isolation caused by Covid19, that does seem particularly important – and I am delighted to see it happening in our town.
17th - 23rd May
Welcome to the first of 52 (usually) short weekly blogs from me. Some weeks there will be more to say than others, but the aim is to help keep Romsonians aware of things happening in their town. So….
My last day as Deputy Town Mayor was the 17th – and it included a superb lunchtime recital in the Abbey by Ukrainian pianist Ivan Hovorun, which generated the biggest attendance this year for a lunchtime recital (280) who between them raised over £2,700 for the UNICEF Ukraine Appeal. A great result and many thanks to Rotary in Romsey who helped organise the event with the Abbey, and to the generous people of Romsey.
That same day – and the following day – mayor makings came along like London buses. There was my own on the 17th, and that of Cllr Alan Dowden as Test Valley Mayor on the 18th. Both of them very enjoyable events, and both of them highlighting the vast number of voluntary organisations – and individual volunteers – that we collectively rely upon. I was very happy to announce the two charities that I will be raising funds for over the next 12 months – namely Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and George’s Trust.
My last day as Deputy Town Mayor was the 17th – and it included a superb lunchtime recital in the Abbey by Ukrainian pianist Ivan Hovorun, which generated the biggest attendance this year for a lunchtime recital (280) who between them raised over £2,700 for the UNICEF Ukraine Appeal. A great result and many thanks to Rotary in Romsey who helped organise the event with the Abbey, and to the generous people of Romsey.
That same day – and the following day – mayor makings came along like London buses. There was my own on the 17th, and that of Cllr Alan Dowden as Test Valley Mayor on the 18th. Both of them very enjoyable events, and both of them highlighting the vast number of voluntary organisations – and individual volunteers – that we collectively rely upon. I was very happy to announce the two charities that I will be raising funds for over the next 12 months – namely Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and George’s Trust.
Mayor Making - My wife Kathrina and I with Mace-bearers Matthew Jones and Bertie Green
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On the 18th I also attended the 1st birthday party of Parker Bullen solicitors. After two hundred years in Salisbury and Andover (where the two companies that became Parker Bullen began) the third location they chose to expand to (a year ago) was Romsey. And I am delighted to say that it has gone exceptionally well, and they are very pleased with the move. |
On the 20th I opened up the Plaza Theatre (with my RAODS member hat on) for an organisation called Green Buttercup, and later that same day was their guest for a celebratory cream tea. Green Buttercup have close ties with Romsey’s Dementia Action Group, and twice a month use the Plaza to provide sessions on arts and crafts as support to carers for those with dementia. It is an excellent organisation and its founder – Pamela Eastwood – does a great job. The cream tea was good too!
Finally on the 23rd I officially reopened the refitted White House Hotel – cutting my first ribbon and pulling a pint (not my first!) The Coaching Inn Group and manager Nikita Viljoen have done a fantastic job of the refit – well worth a visit, and confirmation of how healthy Romsey’s high street is. It is also good to welcome to the town a company that has been around for less than 30 years yet is already (very nearly) in the top 20 best companies to work for in the UK. Finally, from a personal point of view, it is great to see the room where RAODS was initially formed (in 1934) getting a new lease of life.
That is more than enough for now!
Cutting a ribbon with the help of Nikita Viljoen, manager of White Horse and Terry Hamer, Romsey Town Crier
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Pulling a pint in the bar of the White Horse
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