Listed below are the charity/social/public events the Town Mayor attends on behalf of the Town Council.
The list is really the tip of the iceberg – the Town Mayor is also busy attending a wide range of Town Council meetings and committees and dealing with day-to-day matters at the council, in concert with the Town Clerk.
For a full list of Councillor Wendy Stamp’s responsibilities, click here.
July 2018
Sunday 1 July – Open Garden Day
I attended Councillor Richard Dewick’s open garden day at his Bradwell home on behalf of the Farleigh Hospice.
Councillor Dewick is the Maldon District Councillor for Bradwell and chairs the South East Area Planning Committeee, which holds its monthly meetings in the council chamber. (See the Town Calendar for meeting dates.)
We picked up some super ideas on wild meadow planting which Councillor Vanessa Bell and I are discussing with MDC.
It was a super day and I will be attending another one in July.
Saturday 7 July – Burnham Sailing Club Dinner
Councillor Vanessa Bell and I attended the Burnham Sailing Club dinner.
I presented the St Mathew Cup and watched a very interesting presentation on the history of the Squib – a fleet of one-design, Bermudan-rigged, open racing yachts designed in Burnham.
The food and company was excellent again.
Sunday 8 July – Burnham Civic Service
Burnham Town Council hosted its annual Civic Service at All Saints Church in Creeksea.
It really was a superb event.
Reverend Vera Wadman delivered a wonderful service with lovely readings performed by guests and myself.
The collection at the service raised £340 for the Mayor’s Charity in aid of the Farleigh Hospice.
Then off to the Royal Corinthian for the reception, where the food, service and company was very good.
Thank you, Sarah Grimes, for your exemplary organisation and attention to detail.
It was slightly different to other years.
Happily, we had numerous comments about how good it was.
Tuesday 10 July – Ormiston Rivers Academy Special Achievements
I was honoured to be invited to Ormiston Rivers Academy for their special achievements award.
Mrs Costello and her team of hard working teachers must be so very proud.
The school was rated in the top 20% last year and Mrs Costello was very happy to announce they have just received the accolade of rising now to the top 10%. Wow how fab.
The students and achievements were outstanding and I really want to be more involved with all our schools in the future with the support of all our members.
Thursday 12 July – Co-op Opening
I went to the opening of the recently-refurbished Co-op and had pictures with the manager, Mr Hammond, and the golden ticket winners.
The new shop layout is far better and they now have M&Co clothes – which will include clothing for men, women and children.
Saturday 14 July – RNLI Open Day
The RNLI open day was so much fun.
It was very well attended despite the heat and the hospitality was excellent.
Thank you Dave and everyone else who volunteered for this, our 4th emergency service.
I nearly lost the centre part from the Mayor’s Chain into the water under the pontoons, so I found myself clutching it tightly as I walked around for the rest of the day. It must have looked like I was frightened of getting voted out as Mayor!
Sunday 15 July – Close to Home Summer Fete
I also visited Close to Home summer fete with the little children and won a raffle prize!
Sunday 15 July – Knightswood Open Day
Then I shot to Knightswood, the day care centre for the elderly in Asheldham, for their open day for non-residential patients.
They were forced to reduce the length of the event due to the World Cup and Wimbledon finals.
Councillor Pratt was also attending, well into the tea and cakes when I arrived!
Sunday 15 July – Dengie Rocks against Dementia
Then I raced to meet Councillors Nick Skeens and Vanessa Bell for the Dengie Rocks against Dementia event on the Quay.
Councillor Skeens was compering the event, which was, in the main, music presented by some of Burnham’s finest musicians, plus a stall providing information and gifts. There was also a charity auction. The day raised over £2,200.
My warm thanks to the many volunteers who helped.
I judged the fancy dress competition and face painting. A fabulous day.
Tuesday 17 July – First Aid Training
I took a first aid qualification at the Essex Association of Local Council – and passed!
It’s been decades since I last did First Aid training – a lot has changed.
For more on First Aid, click here.
Friday 20 July – Burnham in Bloom prize-giving
I had the honour of presenting the prizes for Burnham in Bloom.
It was a lovely event, with some new winners and old friends.
Thank you. A great evening.
Apologies for July
Sadly I didn’t manage to attend The Scouts event or The Citizens Advice Bureau invitation.
I offer my apologies to those organisations.
June 2018
June – Planting the Planters
I worked with children from Burnham Treetops pre-school, Breakaway, Close to Home and Ducklings, who, over a number of days, were busy planting the Station House planters.
They look fantastic. The children loved watering best.
Saturday 16 June – St Mary’s Primary School Fete
I have attended St Mary’s Primary School fete and had a dance with one of the pupils.
It was very well-attended in glorious weather.
Saturday 16 June – SEAN Dinner
Councillor Vanessa Bell and I also attended the SEAN dinner at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, in aid of bringing an Admiral Nurse, specialising in Dementia care, to this area. (Click here for more.)
It was a super event with Jane English providing excellent music.
A substantial amount of money was raised.
Saturday 23 June – Burnham Primary School Fete
I also attended the Burnham Primary School fete.
I had my strength tested on the minion hammer game and enjoyed decorating home-made biscuits.
This was very well-attended in wonderful summer sunshine.
Friday 22 June – Art Trail launch
I attended the Art Trail launch event which was a fabulous event.
Someone mistook me for an artist – saying I was far too young to be the Mayor. That definitely made my evening…
Saturday 30 June – Down Hall Residential Home, Bradwell
I was very honoured to be asked to open the sensory garden at Down Hall Residential Home in Bradwell.
What a fantastic place. I stayed and spoke to the residents and staff and had a look around.
Saturday 30 June – Rugby Club
I popped in to support the Rugby Club who carried out a mammoth task of clearing the ditches around the Millfields, replacing trees and repairing fencing.
I thank them deeply and sincerely on behalf of Burnham.
I regret to say I couldn’t stay long enough to contribute any hard work.
Saturday 30 June – Open Gardens
I attended one of the Open Gardens, visiting a magical, surprising garden down King Edwards Avenue.
This was part of Burnham in Bloom. (See below, 20th July)
Saturday 30 June – Rugby Club Dinner
I attended the Rugby Club dinner where the lovely Jane English and her group provided the music.
It was fantastic and we all danced until well after midnight.
It was a brilliant evening. Thank you.
June – Railway Bridge Task Force
I also helped the Railway Bridge Task Force on a number of days with their invaluable voluntary gardening and tidying work at Burnham’s Railway Station.
They need more volunteers – especially with organisational skills.
Please contact Councillor Vanessa Bell or the Town Clerk.
May 2018
Wednesday 9th May – Mayoral Election
Well, a huge thank you for being elected Mayor of our wonderful town.
To say I was surprised would be an understatement.
I have hit the ground running. My diary is filling up apace and I am looking forward to working hard and trying my best for the town.
We also have a new environment coordinator in Councillor Vanessa Bell who has already contributed a huge amount with the ‘I love Burnham’ face book volunteers.
Thank you.
Sunday 17th May – Burnham Primary School
I had a super time at Burnham on Crouch Primary School judging their colouring competition.
The standard was exceptionally high and the children were all very polite and the staff friendly and professional.
My thanks to teacher Hayley Barness and everyone involved. I look forward to my next visit.
Sunday 27 May – Rotary Club 10k Run
I also attended the Rotary Club 10K run.
It was fantastic and very well organised with super bacon butties and hot tea.
Well done to everyone who entered and congratulations to the winners.
A special thank you to the volunteers and Rotary Committee who support local charities.