Gala concert

Every year the Buckingham Summer Festival puts on an amazing series of musical events supported by an exceptional bunch of musicians. The musical talent on show is quite phenomenal.

Julie and I had the greatest of pleasures to be invited to the last Gala concert of the series this year:

The Orchestra of Stowe Opera with

Robert Secret – conductor
Francesca Smith – leader
Christopher Redgate – oboe
Helen Massey – soprano

and they played:

Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto
Gustav Mahler Symphony No.4 in G major

at Buckingham Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul on Saturday 8 July

It was a sumptuous evening of melody and skill. I would recommend emailing the organisers to make sure you are one of the first to hear about the programme for next year.

It was wonderful evening and we are most grateful for the invitation.

Art in the Park (and the history of coffee)

One of delights of being Town Mayor is that you get invited in some wonderful events in the grandest of ways:

Even though this meant leaving before the refreshments after the MK Civic Service, this was not an invitation to decline. When we arrived were treated to some Tanzanian Coffee and a exuberant and highly educational lecture on the history of coffee...

Think for a moment, where do you think coffee originates from? 

You might be surprised to know it comes from Ethiopia originally and it was the Yemenis who set about turning it into the drink we know today.

We enjoyed a fascinating lecture in a (very hot) yurt - "The History Of Coffee In Islam" by Abdul-Rehman Malik.

Milton Keynes Civic Ceremony

After Bicester, Julie and I zoomed over to Wavendon for the MK Civic Service. It was a delightfully sweet and wholesome affair with the church packed with local parishioners, mayors and council leaders from many places and several choirs.

Cllr David Hopkins, Mayor of Milton Keynes, got married to his wife Susan in the church so this made the service particularly lovely. It was also his birthday the day previous so we ended the service with a resounding chorus of 'Happy Birthday to You'. His colleague Cllr Andrew Geary gave a delightful speech honouring his colleague as well as peppering it with some funny stories.

I particularly liked a moment in the service when other faiths were invited to light candles on the altar, representing the Covenant Word Ministries, the MK & District Reform Synagogue, the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, the MK Baha'i Community, the MK Hindu Community and Zainabiya Islamic Centre.

The 'chain gang' lines up outside the church, in order of status. I was near the back as you can see!! (Check Debretts for why!)

Bicester Civic Ceremony

Many towns organise 'civic ceremonies' in association with local churches and (ecumenically) other faiths. The aim is to celebrate the town and provide a spiritual blessing on those who serve the town. I went to my first one of these in Bicester last Sunday.

It was held in St Edburg's church in the middle of the town and was attended by several Oxfordshire dignitaries (civil and military) as well as the 'chain gang' from neighbouring towns and councils. (I am getting to know some of these people now!)

We sang hymns, listened to biblical readings (one by Captain Nutine who turned out to be a local Buckingham man when I spoke with him later on) and many prayed. The Reverend Verena Breed gave an excellent address to the assembled people which impressed me hugely. She spoke with passion about the responsibility on us all to build communities where all felt welcome.

And then we walked to town's market square while the military and uniformed youth groups paraded past. All helped by the sunny weather.

Bicester Town Council is based in the beautiful Garth park in Bicester. We ended proceedings there with a glass of wine and a few snacks. Do visit the park when you get a chance: it has a delightful cafe, a bandstand and some lovely trees.

The Mayor, Brigadier and Captain await the march past. (In the foreground is the Mayor of Brackley)

So lovely to here the xylophones!

The youth groups were out in force too

Just liked this image

A jovial bunch of Bicester town councillors with the Mayor, Councillor Les Sibley, in the middle. Many thanks to him and the organising team for this splendid occasion.

Maids Moreton School fete: make a date now for next year's event

If you didn't attend the Maids Moreton School Fête - you missed an exceptionally well organised and delightful occasion. It was an old fashioned fête with some new twists. One of which was the bake off competition which I, Julie and the President of the local WI, Enid Coomber had to judge. (It's a tough life being a Mayor having to eat cake and all...!)

My favourite side show was the breaking crockery one: I had 4 goes! Such a pleasure!! And I even made some bread over a fire in the woodland craft area. Some good beer was on hand kindly donated, I understand by the Woolpack Pub in the town. I was also impressed by the catering for veggies like me for the BBQ.

I don't know the date of next year's event, but do make sure you go!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this afternoon a great success. Here are some pics, mostly taken by Kate Eastman. Thank you Kate for allowing me to use these pics!

UPDATE 10/7/17: Just received this delightful letter of thanks. I love the fact that the children have been involved in deciding what to do with the money raised!

Seconds after the ribbon was cut (my first red ribbon!) standing with the Headteacher Keira Ainsworth

It's a hard job!

Announcing one of the winners.

Presenting the certificate of achievement 

Mayoress Julie and a delighted a young lad

Altogether a lovely day. Thank you Maids Moreton School and PTA.

My favourite side show!!

Happy Independence Day 4th July

One of the perks of being Mayor is that you get invited to places that you would never otherwise go. Friday was a case in point: we were invited to 4th July celebrations at RAF Croughton (aka USAF Croughton!) We were welcomed by Colonel Eric P Oliver of the 422nd Air Base Group to their fete which included deep fried twinkies and other traditional 'low calorie' treats that Americans have to celebrate their independence from the UK. 

It was a delightful atmosphere: lots of forces families having fun. There were fair rides (Julie and I had a quick go on the carousel), climbing walls and a variety of side shows that were curious and different (see the pics below). 

We bumped into the Mayor of Banbury again and had a good conversation about shared town challenges. We were discussing the growth of the airbase which is set to go from around 800 personnel to 3000 in the coming months. So it is likely that we will be welcoming some more American air force staff and officers to both our towns. 

All the Americans we met on Friday night were most warm and welcoming. I am sure we will continue to make them welcome here too. 

The Colonel (not his usual uniform I understand):

 

Frito boats $3£...?!?

Funnel cakes $3£...?!?

And deep fried twinkies!! (£4$ for two) They were yummy.

Getting out more

On Tuesday, I attended the Public Sector Show in the Excel conference centre in London. It was an opportunity to learn a little about what else is happening in the public services around the country, speak up for the role of first tier local government (Town and Parish Councils) and just let people know that Buckingham is great place to visit, live and do business in!

As with most of these kinds of events you are bombarded with sales people seeking to foist on you their marketing items in exchange for information that will prove to their bosses that paying the £1000's to have a stand there was worthwhile. I came away with a handspinner but that was all!

What did I learn?

• Local government cannot afford to ignore Brexit: this is not just a Whitehall project for central government. There are huge issues around recruitment for example.
• People can talk about passion completely dispassionately
• Commissioning is not procurement in a dress/suit: it is an entirely different approach to organising public services that is focused on outcomes first and foremost
• Negotiation begins with knowing what your contender wants (really wants) and never assume that you know
• Don't think that you can have a conference session in the middle of an exhibition without either brilliant soundproofing or an amazing sound system or preferably both. (People do need to hear what the presenters are saying!)
• Silent disco headsets can be used for things that don't involve house music...

The seriously vital Citizens Advice service

Last Monday, I had the great pleasure of attending my first BACAB meeting. BACAB stands for the "Buckingham Area Community Advice Bureau". 

Essentially this is a small local charity dedicated to raising money for the local Citizens Advice services. And they are doing some fabulous work at gaining donations from local businesses and individuals prepared to stump up some serious money for running what all of know to be the vital service that is the Citizens Advice service. (It used to be called the Citizens Advice Bureau - but they dropped the bureau bit a while ago.)

I sat round the kitchen table with a dozen great people who are resolutely focused on fundraising. I won't name them but you can find out who they are from their website. It was a fascinating discussion about their tactics and strategies over the coming months at raising money.

I hope to attend future meetings and add my three pennyworth.

Here is one pic that I downloaded from their album archive.

(Queen's Award for Voluntary Service CAB: CAB team October 2011)

The amazing Willen Hospice

Willen Hospice states that its vision is:

to be the lasting and thriving provider of free care to all people affected by life limiting illness in our community. This will be made possible by a community working together continually to share in the delivery of the most assuring, equally accessible and advanced care available.

And from the stories I heard last night at the Summer Reception, it is doing a very, very fine job of achieving this vision. We heard from a physiotherapist about how their programme of exercise had managed to give many extra months of precious life to some patients involved with the Hospice.

Other members of the 'chain gang' were out in force of course (Mayors of MK, Leighton Linslade and Olney) but also many people who have dedicated their lives to raising money for the service. One woman I spoke with had raised over £6m in the last ten years (from running corporate quiz nights it seems!)

I also met the Friends of Willen Hospice who told me how they had just raised over £4000 with Tesco Express in Buckingham. Brilliant efforts all round.

It was an honour to be there and support all that Willen Hospice does.

If you would like to help you can donate here or why not get involved in volunteering, maybe at the shop in town or one other numerous ways. Or just look for what you need at the Hospice shop in Cornwalls Meadow Walk. (Or as I do, partake in the weekly lottery)

Here's a pic of the people present last night being addressed by Paul Hinson, the Chief Executive

Three cheers for Moretonville JFC!

On Saturday 17 June, Mortonville Junior Football Club celebrated the end of the season at a series of huge events at Buckingham School. I had the greatest of pleasure to attend the last session and gave out some of the awards to the players.

Frankly, I was blown away by the tremendous sporting and community spirit filling the sports hall. Apart from when my son played in a team about twenty years ago, I have never really been involved in football. And so to see all the dozens young players, their managers and coaches, and everyone else involved in making a success of this club was inspirational and delightful! And a new experience for me and my wife: I had no idea that so many people were part of this. And it's wonderful!

Phil Doran, the club Chairperson, said several times how much he enjoyed watching the boys and girls grow both as footballers but also as amazing, confident and respectful young people. By the end, I absolutely got what he was talking about.

And to top it all, Phil was able to report that the club has just been awarded the singular honour of not only being FA Charter Standard Community Club of the year for the county but also for the South East! This is a very high honour for the club.

So very, very well done from me to everyone who makes such a success of this club!!

Vintage Newport Pagnell

My wife and I were invited by the Mayor of Newport Pagnell, Cllr Derek Eastman, to attend their 1940's vintage weekend. And it was fabulous. Particularly impressive was the way in which all the shops, churches and other organisations had thrown themselves into the spirit of the day.

We enjoyed seeing some old cars, especially this one with a lady who used to drive such a vehicle during the war.

And later on we were taken to exhibitions of nursing memorabilia from the war, singing by the U3A choir and very pleasant lunch at the Brooklands Centre. This is a pic of Derek the Mayor getting everyone to sing happy 50th birthday to Milton Keynes (after several other wartime songs such as 'We'll meet again')

Well done to Newport Pagnell Town Council!

There are some more details here.

A truly civil Buckingham

On Saturday 17 June, I had the delightful experience of participating in the annual Civic Day organised by the Buckingham Society here in our town. Civic days are:

a national celebration of civic pride. It is a day when communities across the country say "we care about where we live"

The main part of the agenda was giving out awards to the Citizen of the Year and the Young Citizen of the year, which is administered by the local Rotary Club. (Winners, Harry and Ros, are in the centre of the picture, holding their citations.)

(Thank you to Cllr Warren Whyte for use of this group picture)

The Rotary Club also made awards to the some of the best Swimathon participants and donations to a number of worthy groups in the town. Rotary President Peter Bartlett (on the right of the picture) gave these awards & cheques with a little assistance from me.

But back to the citizen's of the year. This is what I told about the two people:

Ros Hutt

We received several nominations for Ros. She is clearly well liked and appreciated in the community, a lady who is known to “go the extra mile” to help others.

Ros was not only nominated in recognition of all the charity work she undertakes, she was also nominated for offering “outstanding support and friendship” to so many people, in our community, especially the more elderly members; either by sitting with them in times of need or by providing lifts in her car so that they can get to hospital appointments or visit sick relatives.

Ros is seen as someone who goes about things in a calm manner and always has a welcome smile on her face. She never seeks any recognition for the work that she does; clearly one of life’s “unsung heroes” and thoroughly deserving this year’s Rotary Citizen of the Year Award.

Harry Smith

Harry was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a baby. He was not expected to walk, talk or go to the local school yet today, despite numerous challenges, Harry attends Buckingham Primary School and has grown to be a happy, bright and popular 8 year old.

Rather than letting life get the better of him, Harry is constantly pushing himself, he loves sports and always is keen to compete in the school sports days and was chosen to play for the school basketball team recently. He also enjoys playing football for Winslow United pan disabled team, winning the Managers Player last week. His main aim in life is to be in the Paralympics!

Harry has achieved all this, despite spending all of last summer in plaster cast, his ability to bounce back is amazing. If someone says he can't do something he will do everything to prove them otherwise.

Harry is an inspiration to everyone who meets him and is thoroughly deserving of this year’s Rotary Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Two very worthy winners of this accolade!

More pictures: here is one of Ros responding to the award taken by John Cornwall (thank you for this and the other pics below)

and receiving her citation from me and Peter, Rotary President.

This one of the Mayoress, I particularly like

Here's Peter in full flow!

And how the day began, with Russell Cross, the Town Crier, in full epiglottal voice!

Dog day morning

I had the great pleasure of opening the Great British Dog Walk at Stowe Gardens on Sunday 4 June. I was invited by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to do this.

Dogs of all sizes, shapes and temperaments were present. It was a fine sight to see everyone lining up, having registered at the tent as they arrived

The organiser, Michelle Sapwell, has told me they had 362 walkers and 207 dogs! There is some more money to come in but at the moment approximately £3500 has been raised! Which is fantastic! (This is clearly a very well organised charity based near Princess Risborough which is providing about 800 dogs to people at the moment. It has a turnover, I was told, of around £8m)

There are more (and brilliant) pictures of the event here, thanks to David Moore. He also took the one below as well. Thanks!

Our amazing university

Julie and I spent a delightful afternoon at the University yesterday beginning with a lunch kindly hosted by the new Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Jill Schofield and Beverley Kelly, Head of Development Services (who arranged this). It was great to see Dean Jones (erstwhile Deputy Town Clerk) also. Dean is now Development Coordinator for the University.

Our conversation ranged across a wide range of issues including, of course, the expansion plans for the University. Currently it has 2000 students and is planned to increase to 5000 over the next decade or so. This is a change to the town that we all need to manage. I know my colleagues on the Town Council are keen to work in partnership with the University to make sure this expansion results in a town that is better for all who live, study, work and play here.

We talked lots about Town and Gown integration and came up with a few ideas that could help make this happen more. As regular readers know, I am in touch with some of the university students about building my Buckingham Ambition Project. Again some actions were discussed and were put in train... watch this space.

And then Beverley took us on a short tour of the University which included the broadcast studios and the medical school. Great to see where the University radio is broadcast from, for example. Absolutely fascinating to see the models that the medical students practice on to learn (for example) about performing injections on people. The Communications and Marketing Officer, Anastasiya Ostapchuk was very helpful and informative. I was able to put her in touch with a woman I met a few months ago, who runs a company that hires out cadavers (yes, really!) for medical research and training.

There is lots of information here about the past and future of the University here. And if you want to become a friend of the University - click here.

Sad day

Yesterday was the funeral of Jason (Jay) Williamson who tragically died some days ago. Many people will know Jason from his barber's shop in Cornwalls Place. He cut my hair several times. We always had a good conversation about politics, life and the universe.

He was only 47 when he died. He will be hugely missed by his family and friends. I counted around 140 people at the funeral at MK Crematorium: it was standing room only. People came from far and wide

The 'Celebration for the life of Jason Robert John Williamson' included a heart breaking eulogy from his Mum and an eclectic mix of music including Elbow, Sinatra & Robbie Williams, and ending with 'Our Last Song Together' by Neil Sedaka.

I queued for half an hour or so to give my condolences and respect to his family. I wore my Mayoral chain so as to represent the Town as I know he was much loved by many here. But I was also there as me: I will miss him.

Rest in Peace, Jason.

Music and peace

Music has this wondrous ability to delight, inspire and bring people together. Maybe the harmonies, rhythms and rhapsodies in the music reverberate with our souls and we are driven to be reminded that we always have more in common that we have any differences.

Music in the Market 2017 was organised by the Buckingham Acoustic Club and sponsored by Buckingham Town Council. A good time was had by all.

I had the honour of opening and closing the event... and the pleasure of being there for almost all of it. Beautiful and sublime music to cater for many different tastes. I even had a go at a short Zumba dance: perhaps never to be repeated!

At 5.30pm we had a minute's silence in memory of those killed and injured in Manchester a few days ago, at another live music event. This seemed to be a fitting thing to do. It showed how much Buckingham people care. And that we will defiantly and fearlessly carry on enjoying live music, community and peace.

So my huge thanks to all who helped organise the event: Buckingham Acoustic Club, Amanda Brubaker (Town Council Events Officer) and the TC team (both staff and councillors); all the performers who shared their talents, the businesses that provided drinks and food - and all who came along and enjoyed themselves. Here's to next year!

Here are a few pics...