As we head into the summer holidays for the children I wanted to reflect on the last month and the tremendous work of the Town Council to ensure activities are planned throughout that will provide either free or very low-cost events to keep our young people involved and engaged. Our Summer Activities programme commences on the 28 July and includes Loves Park Week.
I’ve been busy in the last month supporting the Dunstable in Bloom campaign by volunteering my spare time to help plant up additional planters in the town centre, as well as film sections of the 2023 video for the Anglia in Bloom judging day. The army of volunteers deadheading the planters; the grounds team who are out and about watering and ensuring our parks and open spaces remain looking beautiful all deserve to be recognised for valiant efforts.
I’ve attended several events in my second month as Mayor where I have given a talk on the history of Mayors in the town. Thanks to John Chatterley, past Mayor, for allowing me to use his collated presentation and slide show!
The events held to date in the town have included Dunstable Live and Party in the Park – both have been extremely well attended and have provided great opportunity to bring residents together to enjoy the magic of music with such an array of local artists and headline acts. I’ve enjoyed being at both events and have spent time talking to those attending and getting some feedback on all things that matter. I’ve made a note and am starting to explore them further!
It’s been a pleasure to attend a number of school awards and to see the pupils recognised for their efforts and achievements. For some they have overcome adversity and have had to really focus hard on channeling their minds to achieve their goals. I represented the town at the Bedfordshire Games for Disabled People – a fantastic day that raised so many smiles despite the rain!
Our local businesses are working hard to keep going and I regularly pay them a visit to talk about the support they need and what we can do collectively to ensure our doors stay open. I recognise times are hard for us all right now but as always ask that you consider our local businesses first when looking to purchase things!
Friends of Priory House and Garden, for whom I am an honorary member, have launched their next fundraiser this last week to help support the replacement Pergola in Priory Gardens. I attended a Garden Party at one of their members’ homes and was really pleased to see over 40 come along on the day raising over £500 on the day.
I am looking forward to hosting my first charity fundraiser on the 22 July with a full house at Grove House for a coffee morning. Lots of fellow Mayors from across Bedfordshire are attending as well as friends, family and what I love the most some residents who attend the lunch clubs the town council run each week.
My quiz night tickets are selling well, and it would be lovely to see you there – you can book your place by clicking this link https://www.dunstable.gov.uk/event/mayoral-quiz-night/
My last plug for this month’s round-up is for my Golf Day on the 21 September at Dunstable Downs. With 32 players already committed to playing we still have room for more. Huge thank you to all my sponsors and donors of raffle prizes – truly amazing generosity!
As always, I am available to visit any event, local business or organisation- please email Georgia via Democratic@dunstable.gov.uk to book me in!