Mayor’s Blog for June 2022
Monday 6 June 2022
After the Queens Platinum Jubilee the diary is now a little less hectic, I have a couple of days to recover before returning to work and the fray.
Wednesday 8 June 2022
Just a meeting of the District Scout Executive in the evening after work. Nice to be face to face again!
Thursday 9 June
After work I agreed to attend the Launch of The Spire’s latest volume of satirical writings ‘North by North West Ospringe’ with the Bear Inn hosting the event by the Guildhall. The Spire had remarked that I did not ‘point’ often, so I rectified that too!
Friday 10 June
A workday but also once home a plan for the weekend, as there are some events on.
Saturday 11 June
To the Arden Theatre as they are looking to expand and develop. Meet Brenda Blethyn, who is so enthused by The Arden Theatre. The expansion plan to give better changing rooms and adding a scene store to the side of the stage for flats looks good. My first career was as a professional theatre electrician, so I still cannot help but peek at the lighting gantries. The youth theatre group are thriving, and I hope that the funds can be raised to get the plans completed.
Sunday 12 June
I have been asked to open the Tulip Tree Fete at St Catherine’s Church. It feels quite strange to be opening the fete having seen many Mayors’ do this in the past. It seems strange that The Old Vicarage is now in private hands, but I am pleased to say thank you to the new owners for allowing this event to continue. I take time to chat to stall holders and buy cake!
Monday 13 June
Today is a little complex I have work but fortunately Monday is a work from home day. An update on the Town Centre Meeting is scheduled for 11:00 but as it is virtual, I can do that in a break. Swale’s plans for improving signage around the Town looks good. I have to be at the Guildhall with Brenda for 2pm to meet with Eddie, David, and Nigel to have some official photographs taken. Ian and Robin are doing the honours. Time to don the robes though Brenda found time to take a selfie.
Back home and back to work. Then back to the Guildhall for Planning Committee followed by Full Town Council.
Tuesday 14 June
My line manager is off today so work is full on as some of the work he does falls to me.
Wednesday 15 June
Normally I would go into the office but with a late afternoon trip to an event in Gillingham, I have had permission to work from home. The Town Sargent picks us up and we travel to The Royal School of Military Engineering. We start with drinks in the garden of the Brigadier’s house and meet with Brigadier Guy Boxall, Deputy Constable of Dover Castle. Then on to the Officers Mess, what an amazing place. The history of the Royal Engineers shines through the paintings and artifacts on display. Also got chance to meet the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL
Then on to Beating the Retreat the Band of the Royal Engineers put on an entertaining selection.
Thursday 16 June
Work then to an Armed forces briefing in Maidstone. Local Reservists and Cadet Forces work are talked about. Alongside that the commitments of all Councils to the Armed Forces Covenant are discussed. Good to meet representatives of not only the Armed Forces but organisations working with them and veterans.
Friday 17 June
No events so make my way to Canterbury as it is a work in the office day. Check the Diary and no events booked in for the weekend so some family time.
Monday 20 June
Just Policy and Resources meeting tonight after Work my Line manager briefs me on the latest news for the team as he is off for a couple of days so I will cover him.
Policy and Resources was quite a quick meeting as we leave there are a group of Morris dancers outside. I chat with members of Seven Sisters Morris and pose with them for a photo. A couple of Sisters from the Berkshire area stop for a chat and ask how to get to Posillipo as they have a booking there tomorrow. I show them the route via Smack Alley which will impress their brother tomorrow.
Friday 24 June
Before going to work, a trip to The Abbey School to meet with Doctor Speller to catch up as Chair of Governors.
Saturday 25 June
Attend the Guildhall for an update on the Neighbourhood plan progress as part of the stakeholder meetings. Then across to the Town Hall. As part of his 70th Birthday Celebrations to join the first part of the history tour Harold has arranged. Now meet the Deputy Town Sargent to put on the Mayoral chain and go to Davington School to open their fete. I have been asked to join past Mayor and Priory Ward Town Councillor Alison Reynolds to join with Bake off winner Jayne to judge the Cake Competition. Not sure Cake is the healthiest lunch.
I even tried my hand at Archery, something I have not done for many a year.
After the Fete time to take off the chain and join Harold Goodwin’s 70th Birthday Celebration at The Quay.
Sunday 26 June
Today a robed event Sevenoaks Civic Service at 11am. Such a privilege to represent the town here. Combining the civic service with a Baptism for a Ukrainian family is truly thought provoking.
Monday 27 June
The Team Leader is off all week so a busy day at work. After work make sure to be at the Guildhall for 5:30pm to meet with the deputy Town Clerk and go through the diary requests to chair the Planning Sub-committee.
Thursday 30 June
Pop to the executive of the Town Twinning Association to run through the events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Towns Twinning with Hazebrouck. The Mayor is going to visit so could you host lunch on that day? When I say yes, the committee ask what the Town Councils hospitality budget is, they seem surprised when I say there is not one, but I will cover that cost. Time to dash looks like I will be late for the School Governing body meeting, so I call the Headteacher to ask for one of the deputy chairs to start the meeting. The Governors have a lot of information to go through, so I eventually get home around 10pm. I will have a supper now.
