A very busy Town Council - August 2014
In my last blog I reminded you that a Living History exhibition in the Priory Gardens and the Civil War re-enactment on the Common was to take place. I hope that you were able to go along and see these two very interesting and exciting events. I think that those of you who did attend the re-enactment will agree that action was the name of the day. Approximately four hundred members of the English Civil War Society dressed as 17th Century soldiers took part, some on horseback, others with long pikes and the rest with muskets. The noise of the cannonade coupled with the firing of the muskets and the thunder of the horses hooves created a living history lesson that delighted both adults and children alike. Over the week-end an exhibition was set up in the Priory Gardens showing visitors an authentic view of day to day life in a 17th century village which included practical demonstrations of the period from many different trades and craftsmen. A totally fascinating experience for visitors both young and old.
Reading my own blog it occurred to me that the reader might think that the life of the Council is all about its public civic face and wonder when the work of the Council is done. I can assure you that the Town Council is kept very busy. It has five committees which each meet on a six week cycle. Each Councillor may sit two committees in addition to the Planning Committee and will perhaps sit on working parties and outside committees affiliated to the Council It is the job of the Mayor to chair the Full Council and sign off the work the Council has done in the previous six weeks. The 28th July saw us with a Full Town Council meeting followed by an Amenities and Open Spaces Committee. This resulted in the first meeting starting at 7 o'clock and the second not finishing until almost ten o'clock.
The Mayors Cricket match took place on the 30th July. The Mayor's team usually comprises of members of the staff or any unsuspecting neighbour or members of the Mayors family who have their arms pulled up their backs to play, and the local Cricket Club who field as many of their players that are able to make it for a mid week and early evening match.
It was on a very hot evening this year with the Mayor's team winning the toss to bat first. It was a very closely fought match with the result in doubt right up to the end but, the Mayor's team just prevailed and won by a narrow margin. Our grateful thanks go to the Cricket Club for a delicious cricket tea and a very enjoyable evening.
On the 4th August the Town Council joined with the 4 Military Intelligence Battalion, several local scout and cadet groups and veterans from WW2 to lay wreaths at the War Memorial to commemorate a hundred years since Britain joined World War One. A very sobering time when one can only contemplate the sacrifice made by so many and the futility of war.
The following week I attended the opening of the Wiltshire Artists Exhibition, always a delight to see so many talented people in our county. I also attended the Mencap skittles match at the Football Club and presented the prizes to this happy band of people.
August is traditionally a quiet month for a Mayor with the following four months being the busiest time of the year for the Council. While writing this blog, meetings have already been arranged for the Mop Fairs, Christmas Lights Switch-on and Carol services and numerous other things that happen over that period.
Should any of you as members of the public wish to attend either a committee meeting or indeed a Full Town Council Meeting we would be delighted to see you. The time and the dates of these meetings are posted on our website, on our notice boards and are displayed in the library or alternately phone the Town Council office on 01672 512487 and our staff will give you all the information you require.