Friday, 9th December 2016

In September 2016 Marlborough Town Council awarded a grant of £2,040 to Prospect for the purpose of a new lifting cushion for use at the Outreach Centre at Savernake Hospital.

Today I was able to see the 'end product' and to appreciate that this piece of equipment will enable a patient to be lifted from the floor with the help of just one person. It's estimated that this equipment could benefit as many as 100 people a year.

Prospect supports people who are dying and also those who are grieving. It is a local charity and all services are free of charge to patients and families. Zoe O'Reilly and Felicity Hindle were on hand to show just how the lifting cushion operates.

Saturday, 3rd December 2016

We have come to expect excellence from our Marlborough Concert Orchestra and this evening was exceptional. The main part of the programme was a Brahms Double Concerto in A minor for violin and cello. The two soloists were superb, Irene Enzlin (cello) a former Yehudi Menuhin School pupil with a Marlborough connection and the violinist Vera Chen who has been playing since the age of seven. Both are good friends and had an obvious rapport. We were charmed by them both, a sublime performance.

We are so lucky to have a Concert Orchestra of such a high standard here in Marlborough, they provide us with a splendid evening's entertainment.

Now, we must all be patient and look forward to their next concert on 25th March 2017.

A big thank you to all of them and special thanks to Rob Napier and Anna Marsden too.

Friday, 2nd December 2016

Susan and I were greeted at Savernake View by Managers Sarah Jacka and Beth Goldsby prior to switching on the Christmas lights at this new care home. We were treated to carol singing from the choir 'Help for Heroes' from Burbage. All of us were encouraged to join in and then a young lady sang a solo - 'Frosty the Snowman'. This was particularly charming. The atmosphere was warm and many of the residents from Priory Court (part of the whole development) attended as well as many of the care home residents and their families.

After the Christmas lights had been switched on I presented a Care Certificate to a senior member of the care staff before being shown some of the home's modern facilities including an impressive cinema which boasts comfortable armchairs with footrests and a starry lit ceiling. We have been promised a more comprehensive tour in the New Year and will look forward to that.

Saturday, 19th November 2016

My wife Susan and I met Fred Wilcox this morning at the Town Hall to open a weekend Craft Fair.

The stalls were stacked with original, hand-made gifts and there was a very happy atmosphere. This is a lovely place to purchase something special for Christmas - all very different from mass produced goods. Fred has been running this event for many years and every year he has made a collection for the Mayor's Charity and this year my charities are Swift Medics and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. We are very lucky to have someone with such a generous community spirit running this annual event.

 

Friday, 18th November 2016

It may have rained on Friday evening and was cold but, it certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm of the many people, lots of young families, who braved the elements. Having boarded the sleigh and joined Father Christmas outside the Town Hall we processed behind our Beadle and Town Cryer, Mike Tupman, MBE and Macebearer, Barry Mercer. We travelled all along the south side of the High Street and back up to the stage on the north side. Nigel Kerton was MC for the evening and the audience had been treated to music and singing from St John's Band, Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama, the Marlborough Community Choir and the Marlborough Rock Band. All contributed magnificently to the event. Just before the switching-on of the lights, I announced the 2016 Citizen of the Year, Anne Crawley, Chair of Marlborough in Bloom. Anne has contributed so much to the town entries into South West in Bloom. I presented her with a beautiful engraved glass bowl. Together we pressed the 'magic plunger' and the Christmas lights became a reality. It marks the beginning of the festive season here in Marlborough.

More photos in our gallery

Tuesday, 15th November 2016

I had great pleasure in presenting a plaque to the Managers of Waitrose, Polly's Tearooms, Pizza Express, the Marlborough Pub and Valentiners Design for their stocking of Fairtrade Products. Marlborough is now an official Fairtrade Town and long may this continue. The event was organised by Tesco Manager, Nick Helps and Dr Nick Maurice.