31st August - Mayor of Poole Opens Dores
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, entertained Mrs Cathy Gardner in her Parlour.
Mrs Gardner represented the Dore charity, which is trying to introducing screening of children for learning disabilities, leading to early and more accurate diagnosis of problems, and more effective treatment for the condition. The Mayor referred to her own experiences with her own sons, both of whom suffered from learning difficulties but with suitable treatment and encouragement were on course to make a success of their lives.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This is a fascinating area of innovative and new medicine and one that in the future like many of our now well accepted treatments may become the norm in years to come. As a Mum of two lovely boys with acute dyspraxia, dyslexia, mild dysphasia and partial sight I really understand the dilemmas that all parents and carers face. I have asked to meet Mr Wynford Dore the founder of this new and exciting treatment to learn more about the subject in order to benefit other children who suffer with these challenging and debilitating conditions."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mrs Cathy Gardner of the Dores charity in her Parlour.
31st August - Mayor of Poole Welcomes New Citizens
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presided over a citizenship ceremony at the Civic Centre Annexe.
Originating from such diverse parts as South Africa, Florida and India, all of the five new citizens had been resident in Poole for a number of years and were supported at the ceremony by family and friends.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "These ceremonies are always a pleasure to preside over as the sense of belonging and accomplishment of the candidates is tangible. Many of them have come from very troubled countries and are so relieved to have a safe and productive haven here in beautiful Poole. Every candidate has a true sense of needing to be part of the community and they are genuinely thrilled to become a fellow countryman. I am always humbled by their innate humility and great joy in this achievement."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Sheriff and new citizens at the citizenship ceremony at the Civic Centre Annexe.
30th August - Mayor of Poole Gets a Head of Steam Up!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the North Dorset Civic day, at Tarrant Hinton. The Mayor together with a selection of Mayors and Chairman of Authorities all over Dorset met up at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Annually the head of each authority be it a Mayor of Chairman invites all other Mayors and Chairman to a Civic Day, which is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the host Mayor's town and history.
This year the Chairman of North Dorset took everyone attending on a fabulous visit to the Steam Fair. After assembling at Norden, everyone travelled by coach to the local farm at Tarrant Hinton, where they were all collected by a huge steam traction engine pulling a farm cart and delivered safely to the heart of the steam fair. After a super buffet lunch everyone was free to wander around the exhibits and enjoy the day. However our Mayor was allowed no such luxury as she was challenged by the North Dorset Chairman for a financial remuneration for her charities to board the ‘Bungee Jump of Death', a huge contraption which shot her 100ft into the great blue yonder and back, again and again and again, eventually stopping and allowing her to alight and ascertain where she had left her stomach!
No sooner had she finished this death defying feat, which no other Mayor had the slightest inclination to partake of, she was asked by the neighbouring fair ride to take part in ‘Beelzebub's gyrocopter of death and pestilence' for £100 (the Mayor couldn't remember the name but this was the suggested wording) so undeterred she did so and brought back a laudable £140 for her charities, a little the worse for wear but nothing that a pint or two of ‘ Old Speckled Hen' could not remedy. For information about the Great Dorset Steam Fair, see www.steam-fair.co.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Unfortunately I was not quick enough to refuse Col. Mike Oliver the Chairman of North Dorset District Council. It was not really an invitation but more of an order and coming from a military man I knew my place and instantly concurred. Biggest mistake of life obviously but I at least know now that I will NEVER partake in such shenanigans again, Col. Mike did remind me that I was doing a sponsored abseil down the water tower at Tower Park in October but compared to the two fairground rides it would be a doddle. The Sheriff was every inch the gentleman and accompanied me on the second ride but was of no help whatsoever when at 19000 feet he suggested that I open my eyes and look at the view!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort, Mr David Butt, the Sheriff and his Lady and other Mayors, sample the contents of the real ale tent at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort, Mr David Butt, boarding the ‘Bungee Jump' at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort, Mr David Butt, in mid-air aboard the ‘Bungee Jump', tie and high heels flying at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Sheriff, aboard the ‘Gyrocopter' ride at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
28th August - Mayor of Poole On Stage with Elvis
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, with her family and supporters, ran a tombola stall at the Poole Park Fest, raising over £400 for her charities.
The Mayor was honoured to be asked to take part in the ‘Long Dragon Dance', symbolizing the bringing of good luck and prosperity for the year to come. Although the Dragon looks fierce, it represents supernatural power, goodness, fertility, vigilance and dignity. Expecting to be part of the Dragon's tail, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt was surprised to say the least when she was asked to play the ‘Pearl', which is chased by the Dragon and symbolizes the search for wisdom. This proved to be an exhausting role, as she had to run backwards for the length of the Park road, teasing the Dragon with the Pearl, then turning and running away. For more information about the Dragon Dance, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_dance.
At the end of the day, the Mayor achieved a lifetime ambition by taking the stage for a few minutes with Elvis - or at least a very good impersonator!
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole said " It was a clear case of two extremes. The morning brought Dragons and Pearls and the afternoon the long lamented King of Rock and Roll. Elvis still alive and well contrary to popular belief was drop dead gorgeous, I wasted no time in telling him this and spent many precious minutes with him on the stage generally drooling in his direction. Elvis did invite me on to his stage as he noticed that I was wearing slightly more impressive jewelry than he was, he told me that he had piad £6 for his medallion and I replied oh that much!! When I informed him as to the value of the Mayoral Chain which belongs to the people of Poole he was slightly amazed but being every inch the King not too bowled over to give a fantastic performance to the delight of the 25000 strong audience, a memorable day and one that the Friends of Poole Park in conjunction which ‘Mr Kyps' and other supporterS should be justly proud."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, in the ‘Long Dragon Dance' at the Poole Park Fest.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, is offered a fortune cookie by one of the dragons at the Poole Park Fest.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with entrants in the football competition at the Poole Park Fest.
A truly Royal picture - the King of Rock with Poole's Queen of Hearts, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt.
27th August - Mayor of Poole Takes A Tumble
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened the Poole Park Fest, organized by the Friends of Poole Park.
Centred on a music stage provided by the Mr Kyps Live Music Venue, the Friends lined up hundreds of stalls and attractions, attracting about 20,000 visitors to the event. The Mayor toured and met all of the stallholders, and couldn't resist trying out the inflatable ‘K2' slide, arriving at the bottom in a tangle of arms, legs and Mayoral chains!
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt also witnessed at close quarters the beautiful and colourful Chinese ‘Dragon Dance', a foretaste of the ‘Long Dragon Dance' to be performed the following day.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I had an exhilarating start to the festivities when I agreed to ascend and then rapidly descend the huge ‘death slide' and I certainly died of some small embarrassment when parts of my anatomy flatly refused to process in the right order, my stern definitely proceeding my humerus!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, arriving at the bottom of the inflatable slide at the Poole Park Fest.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the White Watch fire crew at the Poole Park Fest.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shares an ancient Chinese joke with the Dragons and dancers at the Poole Park Fest.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr Chris Pullen, owner of Poole Park Miniature Railway, and Mr Terry Smith, Events Organiser for the Fest. Mr Pullen is raising funds to reintroduce a steam train to the miniature railway.
26th August - Mayor of Poole Celebrates Golden Wedding
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, congratulated Mr and Mrs Peter and Ethel Wareham on their 50th wedding anniversary at Bourne Valley Community Centre.
With nine children and an indeterminate number of grandchildren and partners, the couple were surrounded by their very large family for the celebration. The Mayor greeted all the family members, and toasted Peter and Ethel before they cut and shared their anniversary cake.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This was my first Mayor-a-gram, as Peter and Ethel were not told I was coming. What struck me most was the tremendous closeness and natural affection amongst all the family members. Over the years, like many families their next door neighbours and close friends had become inextricably linked to their immediate family, in fact I felt and stated that although I had only shared a few hours with them I very much felt accepted and loved."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt and Consort Mr David Butt, with Mr and Mrs Peter and Ethel Wareham on their 50th wedding anniversary at Bourne Valley Community Centre.
25th August - Mayor of Poole Meets Local Film Stars
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a Showcase event at the culmination of two week Summer School run by Bournemouth Screen Academy at the Talbot campus of Bournemouth University, presenting certificates of achievement and making a very amusing speech of encouragement and advice for the students.
Thirty pre-GCSE students from the local area spent the Summer School acquiring the key skills involved in script-writing and producing a film. They learned to take an idea, discuss and develop it, and to craft a script with characters, narrative and location in mind, rewriting and polishing it based on individual and group decisions. As they refined the work towards their final shooting scripts, they learned to make production decisions, discussing budgeting, legal rights, location selection, etc. Then the scripts were taken forward to shoot their films, learning the skills of directing, sound, camera, lighting and editing, all under the guidance of the Academy's undergraduates with supervision by Academy tutors. Actors were cast and the young students themselves directed. The result was six superb, humorous short films which delighted the audience at their premiere. For more information, see www.bournemouthscreenacademy.net/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I had to keep reminding myself that the directors and producers of the six hilariously funny films were only 15 years old. I was also amazed that they had all chosen to portray film ‘comedy shorts', as comedy is the most difficult of all media to effect convincingly as timing and delivery is key, but they all directed their actors exactingly and made their individual productions a near perfect art form. We will surely be hearing and seeing much more of these young people in years to come, just in case I gathered as many autographs as I could which may very well be on an E-bay site near you in years to come!".
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth at the Bournemouth Screen Academy at Bournemouth University.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with one of the production team students at the Bournemouth Screen Academy at Bournemouth University.
25th August - Mayor of Poole Does The Old Rope Walk
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, was delighted to attend a Summer Tea Party for residents at the Owen-Carter Almshouses at The Old Rope Walk in Hamworthy.
Founded more than a century ago, the Owen-Carter charity, with support from Poole Council, operates 42 homes for retired Poole residents in Hamworthy and Poole Town, and recently celebrated their centenary. The Hamworthy bungalows, 10 of which date to the beginning of the last century and the rest to the 1960s, are much in demand in the town.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I remember attending last year as Sheriff of Poole, when the Old Rope Walk had a very special Royal visit from the Duchess of Gloucester and I was delighted to be asked to return to join the residents for a delicious summer tea party. The Almshouses are super and there is a real feeling of community and kinship, I did warn the residents that I was thinking of applying for a place and that they had better watch out, as I might one day be a neighbour!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Chairman Mrs Wendy Yeatman (3rd from right), and Trustees of the Owen-Carter Almshouses at The Old Rope Walk in Hamworthy.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, meets residents of the Owen-Carter Almshouses at The Old Rope Walk in Hamworthy.
24th August - Mayor of Poole Meets Chinese Visitors
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Council Leaders, welcomed a Chinese business delegation from Chongqing City to Poole and hosted lunch for the visitors.
The Mayor managed to overcome the language barrier and become friends with Mrs Cheung, who declared Cllr Mrs Judy Butt to be "young and beautiful". Located near the Three Gorges Dam, Chongqing is a huge province of over 31 million people, with enormous natural and manufacturing resources, and is regarded by some as the largest city in the world. With huge amounts of government investment, the city is undergoing massive regeneration of its infrastructure and economy, and is attracting foreign business at an unprecedented level. For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongqing.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "We were given a superb presentation from our own Borough Officers including the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and an equally fascinating insight into Chongqing City was given by Mrs Cheung, the senior delegate in attendance. I was presented with the most beautiful set of scented bamboo fans, a large one for my husband David and a smaller one for me, both in a lovely presentation box, I did not expect to receive anything and I was very touched by their generosity. The Leader of the Council asked me to present Mrs Cheung with a special Poole Pottery vase which I am sure Mrs Chueng will treasure."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Chinese delegation leader Mrs Cheung at the RNLI College.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Chinese delegation leader Mrs Cheung and Mr Peter Scott, CEO of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Trade at the RNLI College.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Chinese delegation and council leaders and officers from Poole and across Dorset.
19th August - Mayor of Poole Welcomes Charity Walkers
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, welcomed Charity Walkers Lindy Sheppard and Helen Harmer to Poole after their 170-mile sponsored walk from Hereford in aid of the Chronic Liver Disease Unit at Hammersmith Hospital.
After a great send-off from Hereford, the walkers' route passed through Gloucester, Stroud, Swindon, Newbury, Andover, Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth. They related various incidents en route, including being diverted by an officious policeman at one point, adding another 3½ miles to the journey! For more information about the walkers, see http://www.parkstoneyc.co.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said all in good spirit "I think you're barking mad and now that I have met you I can see that you are, but as your type of madness means that many others will benefit from your tremendous achievement, then long may you stay insane. It was a pleasure to present both girls with an achievement certificate celebrating their amazing 273km trek!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Charity Walkers Helen Harmer and Lindy Sheppard and family and supporters on Poole Quay after their 170-mile sponsored walk from Hereford.
19th August - Mayor of Poole Congratulates D-Day Hero
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, was delighted to meet centenarian Joe Pearce at the Long Close Retirement Home in Branksome Park.
Born on a farm in Berkshire, Joe moved to Poole in 1929 and has lived here throughout his 45 year marriage. Despite being deaf since childhood, he joined the RAMC during WW2 and crossed to France on D-Day+2, fighting through France, Belgium and Holland, and was part of the liberation of Norway. Retiring at 48 due to ill-health, he loves cooking, swimming, driving, gardening and DIY. He always looked after his family and his own home, only entering the retirement home at the age of 90, and is still very active and full of life.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Joe was am amazing character we chatted for ages about farm life and shared our childhood experiences of both being raised in the country. We also shared several glasses of sparkling wine and a joke or three! Joe's recipe for life is never to worry about anything that could not be changed by worrying and to always look forward and never back, good advice and obviously this ethos has stood him in good stead. "
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort Mr David Butt, and centenarian Joe Pearce at the Long Close Retirement Home in Branksome Park.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shows off her ‘gong' to centenarian Joe Pearce at the Long Close Retirement Home in Branksome Park.
19th August - Mayor of Poole Joins Sea Cadets
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened a Summer Fete organized by Poole Sea Cadets in Poole Park.
After being ‘cried in' by Poole Town Crier David Squires, the Mayor made a welcoming speech and cut a ribbon to open the two-day event, which included many stalls and amusements, displays by the sea cadets marching band and sailing team competitions. The Mayor stayed longer than planned, meeting and talking to all of the stallholders, making a number of purchases and trying out some of the amusements, leaving only when needed for another engagement.
The event is part of the sea cadets' campaign to raise funds for their extension of the TS Drax premises at Sterte Road West. TS Drax was first founded in 1938, moving into its present location in the late 1940s, housed at first in two Nissan huts! After facing many challenges in the post-war decades, the unit was re-invigorated in 1978 by the appointment of a new chairman, Lt Cdr Gerald Bailey RN Rtd, and has since gone from strength to strength. For more information about the unit, see http://www.pooleseacadets.com/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I was very proud of my son Charlie who plays the cymbals and bugle in the band, but he was not quite as wonderful in the sailing boat race when his team came 3rd - out of 3! A lot of hard work has gone into the organisation of the Fete and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit especially as I was very privileged to be asked to present my own Youth Escort Miss Catherine Harvey with an eighteenth birthday bouquet from her father as it was her very special coming of age birthday on the same day as the Fete."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Youth Escort Miss Catherine Harvey and her father Alan Harvey at the Summer Fete in Poole Park.
The Poole Sea Cadets Band at the Summer Fete in Poole Park.
18th August - Mayor of Poole Goes Slop-Bogging
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by the Sheriff and his Lady attended a Civic Day in Ferndown hosted by the Mayor Cllr Mrs Liz Stevens.
The highlight of the day was a visit to the Ferndown ‘Slop Bog', a local beauty spot and SSSI, armed with nets and jam jars (and umbrellas!) for a pond-dipping contest and talks about the natural environment. Our own Mayor Cllr Judy Butt easily won the competition by catching 10 different species of water denizens, despite an unfortunate tendency for the specimens to eat each other!
The pond-dipping was followed by a cream tea and an opportunity to explore the house and gardens at Stapehill Abbey. Originally known as Holy Cross Abbey, the institution was founded in 1807 by a silent order of Trappist nuns fleeing the French Revolution, and only fell out of use in the 1950s as the number of nuns declined. The Mayor was especially impressed by the extensive Country Museum, showing old horse-powered agricultural implements and early mechanisation, reminding the Mayor of her own childhood in rural Devon. She was delighted with the exhibited 1928 Crossley local ‘veterinarian's' car of the day, excitedly pointing out the cut glass silver-topped ashtrays!
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Due to fearing nothing and no one I was able to quite happily delve into the black sludge and slime that passed for the ‘slop bog' and then extricate creepy things various to ensure that the bottle of champagne prize would be mine. I am so glad that I did not win the ‘booby' prize, however the Chairman of East Dorset and his wife were delighted with the metal bug-eyed frog with trumpet and seemed oblivious to the fact that they had actually come last. It was a good fun day and enjoyed by everyone and an excellent opportunity to see the superb Stapehill Abbey and Gardens - worth a visit anytime!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, armed with net and jam jar at the Slop Bog in Ferndown.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, fishing for pond life during the pond-dipping competition.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, delightedly inspecting her catch during the pond-dipping competition.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the chairman of East Dorset District Council, displaying their winnings after the pond-dipping competition.
18th August - Mayor of Poole Celebrates 100th Birthday
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, visited the Laurels and Pine Lodge in Oakdale to congratulate Mrs Joyce Hodgson on reaching her centenary. The Mayor presented a beautiful bouquet to Joyce, and was slightly taken aback but equally delighted to receive a posy of roses and heather from the birthday girl.
The Mayor was amazed to find that Joyce, still bright and interested after many years of keeping her mind active with crosswords and puzzles, had been born in South Brent in Devon, the same tiny village in which the Mayor and her sister had grown up. They spent some time swapping reminiscences.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The world becomes smaller by the day, I was absolutely flabbergasted to discover that we had shared the same childhood haunts some 40 years apart, Joyce was delighted to learn that her childhood home was still standing and that so much of her past was still intact even after two World Wars. Joyce was amazing although almost totally blind she was the life and soul of the day".
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, at Laurels and Pine Lodge in Oakdale to with centenarian Mrs Joyce Hodgson.
17th August - Mayor of Poole Gets The Wind Up
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, members of her Charity Committee and supporters, organized a second sandcastle competition on Shore Road Beach during the Thursday evening Summer Breeze event.
Unfortunately, rain during the afternoon and a cold wind kept many residents and visitors away from the beach, and only eight children entered the competition. Despite this, entries were of high quality, including a Hobbits Castle, a turtle and a racing car. For more information about Summer Breeze events, see http://www.pooletourism.com/.
Presenting the prizes, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was a wonderful effort by stalwarts who braved the cold wind. The entrants were from all over the country, London, Scunthorpe, Norfolk and Chester. They enjoyed the event and loved being on holiday in lovely Poole, even though the sun had eluded us all that evening!"
17th August - Mayor of Poole Attends Queens Award
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a presentation of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service to Body Positive at their headquarters at Diana Princess of Wales House in Bournemouth.
The award was presented by Mrs Valerie Pitt-Rivers, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset as the Queen's representative in Dorset, for the organisation's sterling work in supporting people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS over a twenty-year period since their inception in 1986. The award was gratefully accepted by Mrs Anne Richardson on behalf of the charity in the presence of invited Mayors of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch and the Chairman of East Dorset.
Body Positive Dorset is a self-help group set up to offer advice, practical support, counseling and information, and is currently helping over 350 people, providing a place for those who have HIV with somewhere to relax, socialise and seek advice. The organization operates a dedicated support centre, 24-hour helpline and a range of holistic and alternative therapies including a superb sun bed to help those affected. The centre also offers counseling, peer support groups, advice clinics, regular club nights, barbecues, and a lounge area for people to meet up and socialise. For more information about the charity, see http://www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I am a strong supporter of self-help and self-advocacy, and believe in giving people a hand up, not a hand out. Body Positive have my total admiration for their work, and this award is thoroughly deserved. The therapies and facilities provided are excellent, I did hint that I was perfectly happy to try out their sun bed!"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with ‘Wuffer' and a member of Body Positive at the Queens Award Ceremony.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Mrs Valerie Pitt-Rivers and Consort, the Mayors of Bournemouth and Christchurch, Chairman of East Dorset District, and members of Body Positive at the Queens Award Ceremony.
15th August - Mayor of Poole Takes a Turn for the Better
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, was delighted to accept an honorary membership of Poole Rotary Club at Amity Lodge in Poole until the end of her term of office next May 2007. After a delicious luncheon at the Amity Lodge in Poole the Mayor was formerly enrolled as an honorary member and presented with a Rotary Collar Pin by Mr David Endicott, President of the Rotary Club of Poole.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "During the term of office of Mayor I am expected to make many speeches of varying length and content and thoroughly enjoy so doing. For each engagement I receive a pro-forma which amongst many other indicators clearly outlines what I should wear, who will be greeting me and whether I am required to give a speech, sadly on this occasion I had failed to notice until 1.30am the same morning of the luncheon that the club had requested that I speak for 15 minutes about the Mayoralty. Undaunted and with the sun rising from behind the chimney pots I did complete their request and the resulting ‘talk' was well received and enjoyed. The moral of this sober tale being, read the instructions before commencing the task!! "
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, being inaugurated as an honorary member of Poole Rotary Club at Amity Lodge by President Mr David Endicott.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, receiving her Poole Rotary Club pin at Amity Lodge from President Mr David Endicott.
15th August - Mayor of Poole Lays Wreath with Burma Veterans
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the annual commemoration service of the Burma Star Association at the Mountbatten Memorial in Poole Park.
In a moving service led by Rev. John Hainsworth, chaplain to the Royal Marines in Poole, the Civic Party, Association members and guests paid their respects to their patron Lord Mountbatten and to servicemen who gave their lives in the Burma campaign. The Mayor, accompanied by Branch President Geoff Kendrick, stepped forward to lay wreaths at the memorial. For more information about the Burma Star Association, see http://www.burmastar.org.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was an honour and a delight to again meet and have the opportunity to thank the Veterans of the Burma Star Campaign for their service and sacrifice."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with a wreath to lay at the Mountbatten Memorial in Poole Park during the Burma Star Association commemoration service.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, meeting with one of the veterans at the Burma Star Association commemoration service.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Branch President Geoff Kendrick, laying wreaths at the Burma Star Association commemoration service.
15th August - Mayor of Poole Hosts Guild of Macebearers
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened the annual conference of the Guild of Macebearers, and installed her own macebearer, Mr David Knight, as the 55th Prime Warden of England, Scotland and Wales.
The Guild was founded in 1933, with the first Prime Warden being appointed in 1947. The Guild provides standards and support for professional macebearers, publishing a ‘Manual of Macebearing', fondly known to members as the ‘little blue book'. For more information about the Guild, see http://www.civicprotocol.com/.
A superb Mace Bearer's ‘Prime Warden' Civic Dinner was hosted that same evening by our very own Mayor, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, at the Amity Lodge in Poole. Guests included the Sheriff and his Lady, the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, the Clerk of the Mace Bearers and the ‘Renter' Mace Bearer or Deputy who will become next years Prime Warden. The Mayor gave a frank and humorous speech, complimenting Mr Knight on his achievements and expertise. She also took the opportunity to present him with a bottle of vintage port (his favourite tipple) in recognition of his vintage service to her personally as the present Mayor and Poole as a whole over the last 8 years. She reaffirmed the principles of the Guild, and proposed a toast to the organisation.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "David is a man of his word; never late and never inappropriate, a quiet and relevant word of advice is always delicately offered when most needed and of course always heeded! His gentlemanly grace, demeanor and subtle humour do him and his profession great honour and I am sure that these innate personal qualities will bring further honour to him in his new role as Prime Warden. An intrinsic role of the Prime Warden I am advised is thus, ‘to uphold and preserve the customs of the Civic and Corporate life of the Country and to advise thereon' , this being the case we are in a extremely safe pair of hands as the knowledge that David has gleaned over time regarding his profession as Mace Bearer is impressive and the unselfish and sensitive manner in which he uses that skill is legend".
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Guild members planning the ceremony in the Mayor's Parlour.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, investing Mr David Knight as Prime Warden in the Council Chamber.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, leaving the Council Chamber after the ceremony.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Mace Bearers, Civic Party, and members of Guild of Mace Bearers at the Civic Centre.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with new Prime Warden Mr David Knight.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt with Mr Knight's family at the Prime Warden's Civic Reception at Amity Lodge.
Don't give up the day job! Poole Mace Bearer Mr Mike Weetman at the Prime Warden's Civic Reception at Amity Lodge.
14th August - Mayor of Poole Mugged by Policeman!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, entertained Poole police officer Mr Scott Murray in her Parlour on his return from managing a duathlon (running and cycling) Age Group British team in Newfoundland.
Mr Murray regaled the Mayor with a description of the city of Corner Brook in the Humber Valley and anecdotes of his journey and the race. A small town of 20,000 inhabitants, Corner Brook has staged multi-sports events for the past 25 years and for 8 years has been in the international triathlon world cup circuit. Over 2,000 volunteers turned out to help for this event! For more information about the town, see www.cornerbrook.com/tourism/tourmain.html.
The race, held in torrential rain, consisted of a 10 kilometre run up and down steep hills, 40 kilometres cycling and another 10 kilometre run over the same course. Out of 150 hopefuls who applied, 73 travelled to Newfoundland to take part, 37 reached the top 10 of their age groups and 8 gained medals. The three British gold medals included the youngest competitor, 18 year old Emma Hancock, while the silver medal went to Dave Peck, the oldest competitor at 74. Other British teams were also successful, gaining gold and bronze medals in the female Elite race and silver in the under 23 race.
Mr Murray presented the Mayor with a glass tankard/mug as a gift from the Mayor of Corner Brook, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a municipality and is interested in twinning with Poole. Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "In view of Poole's historic links with Newfoundland, I'm looking forward to the possibility of twinning with this part of the world. Scott told me of how kind and hospitable the people of Corner Brook are, he commented ‘They were open and friendly, very like the people of Poole.'
We have such terrific links especially historically with the Newfoundland Salt Cod trade of the early 17th to the 19th centuries. I would love the opportunity to visit and to see what it was like in Newfoundland at that time."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Poole police officer Mr Scott Murray in her Parlour on his return from Newfoundland.
14th August - Mayor of Poole Treads a New Path
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened a new path at Branksome Recreation Ground.
Introduced by local Councillor Mrs Joyce Lavender and Mr David Gilliver, Chairman of the Friends of Branksome Recreation Ground, the Mayor made a speech and cut a ribbon to open the path. The new path, about a mile in length, enables walkers, mums with buggies, kids on tricycles, wheelchair users and many other groups to circumnavigate the open space for the first time. It is also much needed due to drainage problems in the low-lying area, and was completed just in time for the Chinese Circus opening the following week. For more information about the Friends, see http://www.bournestreampartnership.org.uk/fobrg.htm.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "If you were to walk briskly around the park once a day that is the equivalent of about 1000 calories per week it would means that you could eat 4 extra 100g chocolate bars or indulge in 4 extra glasses of your favourite vino, or don't indulge at all and in a year you could lose up to a stone in weight!! Sounds tempting and so easy so I'll see you all there! It is a great achievement for the Friends of Branksome Rec. ably supported by their councillors. It's one small step for Branksome but a huge leap for all our residents who now have an excellent new facility."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mr David Gilliver, Chairman of the Friends of Branksome Recreation Ground (left, holding tape), local councillors and Council officers at Branksome Recreation Ground.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr David Gilliver, Chairman of the Friends of Branksome Recreation Ground and local councillor Mrs Joyce Lavender.
13th August - Mayor of Poole at Launches Ospreys
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended a Welcome Reception at Parkstone Yacht Club hosted by the Commodore and his wife Mr and Mrs Anthony Chadwick. The celebration was to mark the launch of the 2006 ‘Osprey' class UK National Sailing Championship, a seven race annual championship. 36 teams from all over the country gathered together to start the four day competition, including several past national champions.
For more information about the club, see http://www.parkstoneyc.co.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The work of this club is very varied from teaching children from 7 onwards to have a love, respect and understanding of the sea and how to safely navigate a craft upon it, to hosting such prestigious events as the ‘Osprey' annual event, which supports our own local economy and tourism industry. The club is busy raising funds to pay for an extension currently under construction to the club house, this will mean that better facilities can be provided within the club and more money can therefore be raised locally to ensure that the excellent community service it provides continues."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Consort Mr David Butt, and Parkstone Yacht Club Commodore Mr Anthony Chadwick (right).
The extension to Parkstone Yacht Club under construction.
13th August - Mayor of Poole Misses SPRING!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, missed the SPRING Family Picnic at Upton Park.
The event was closed very early because of poor weather and lack of attendance. The Mayor stopped on the way past to meet event organiser Dagmar James. For more information about S.P.R.I.N.G. see http://www.springsupport.org.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was a great shame as last year the weather was fabulous and over 90 families shared the day. The charity ‘Supporting Parents and Relatives in Neonatal Grief' is a tremendous aid to those unfortunate people who are subjected to such grief and loss in this manner. David and I understand their pain as we too have unfortunately shared a similar experience, as have many within our communities."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Consort Mr David Butt and S.P.R.I.N.G. event organiser Dagmar James.
13th August - Mayor of Poole Inspired by Light
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened the ‘Inspired by Light' art exhibition staged by the Poole & East Dorset Arts Society at the Peacock Gallery in Upton Country Park.
Escorted around the exhibition by Society Chairman Brian Tofield and Secretary Liz Magee, who was also exhibiting, the Mayor inspected the pictures on display and made a speech complimenting the work of the artists. For more information about the gallery, see http://www.peacockgallery.org.uk/.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The range of mediums used was pretty breathtaking and the standard was extremely high. All the artists exhibiting live locally and to a large extent are busy recording through their artwork the sights and scenes of Poole and the surrounding area, as we know them today, the picture database of the future?"
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, receiving a bouquet from PEDAS Secretary Liz Magee at the Peacock Gallery.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with exhibition visitor Mrs Janet Harvey and her son Samuel Rawlings at the Peacock Gallery.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, and Consort Mr David Butt and exhibition visitors at the Peacock Gallery.
10th August - Mayor of Poole Picked Up by Lifeboat!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, joined the Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Mrs Jackie Drayton and her Consort Mr Ian Drayton and the Poole lifeboat crew for a tour of the Lifeboat Station and a trip on the lifeboat ‘City of Sheffield' to watch the fireworks off Shore Road Beach.
The evening began with both Mayors meeting Coxswain Jonathan Clark, Operations Manager Rod Brown and the lifeboat crew, and learning about the work of one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK, launching 50 times for the all-weather lifeboat and 103 times for the inshore lifeboat during 2005. With a panoramic view over the waters by Poole Quay, the crew often see ill-prepared boats going out, but are helpless to intervene until they get into trouble. For more information about the Poole lifeboat station, see http://www.poolelifeboat.co.uk/.
The Civic Party then boarded the lifeboat for a tour of the boat and a demonstration of its capabilities, which left the ‘landlubbers' wet and breathless! The trip visited Brownsea Castle in the harbour, out into Poole Bay for a closer look at Old Harry rocks, then back towards the Poole beaches. Each Mayor and Consort also rode in the semi-rigid inshore lifeboat, coming back excited and even wetter!
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This was a fun trip which also served a serious purpose in allowing us to heighten the profile of an important national charity which is headquartered in our town. The crew are great; they play hard but when it comes to their work they are consummate professionals, very knowledgeable and leaving nothing to chance. The Mayor of Sheffield was very impressed with Poole and the lifeboat and crew, and during the fireworks was heard to say ‘Well done, Poole this is really fantastic!'."
5th August - Mayor of Poole Visits Fourways
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the very tail end of the ‘Fourways Summer Fete'.
This is a very popular event held every year in aid of the Fourways Day Centre. There is always a huge selection of crafts and various works that have been made by attendees of Fourways plus lots of interesting stalls where everyone can take part in the fun.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Although we were not scheduled to make an official visit as I had so many other engagements I found that I had a 10 minute window which meant I could pop in to congratulate the organisers and see how successful the event had been. I was not disappointed, as I arrived people were leaving with bags full of prizes and gifts, Grannies and Granddads armed with happy children with painted faces and chocolate on their T-Shirts, the children that is! I grabbed a quick cup of tea and spoke to some of the children waiting to see if the Mayor was going to be there, it was great to have such a super enthusiastic welcoming committee."
5th August - Mayor of Poole Supports China Walkers
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended a Garden Party at Linkfield Court in Bournemouth, also attended by The Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth. The event was organized by the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society to raise funds for a team to walk on the Great Wall of China in October 2006.
The Mayor met Mrs Jan Dominey of Poole, who will be traveling to join the walk and is working to raise sponsorship of £3000 for the Trek.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "My own dear Mother of 86 years has been suffering from Alzheimer's for some time now and at the moment my sister and I are running the horrible emotional gauntlet of organising her care in a nursing home and the requirement to deal with all her affairs on her behalf. My mother is a beautiful, proud and elegant lady and the fact that this debilitating condition has found her, breaks the hearts of all her family and friends just as it does the family and friends of all those unfortunate individuals who are subject to this horrendous affliction. The money raised by Mrs Jan Dominey and thousands like her will alleviate the pain and suffering felt by all people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer's."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt checks out the jam stall at the garden party.
5th August - Mayor of Poole Celebrates 21st Birthday!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, opened the 21st birthday celebrations of Club 21, a ‘drop-in' club for young people with learning difficulties, at East Gate Lodge in Poole Park.
The Club first opened in 1985 at the old Pump House on the Quay, thanks to the sterling efforts of current President Keith Hiscocks, who was vice-chairman of the local branch of Mencap at the time. The Club was made homeless by the bad storms of 1989, using a variety of venues until Poole Council granted them a rent-free tenancy of East Gate Lodge in 1991. There are now about 50 regular members, attending up to three times a week.
Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This super party and barbecue was a double celebration for me too, as in 1985 I was married and the day following the 21st birthday was my own birthday too, 21 years well no, not first time around anyway! Club 21 are a super group of energetic young folk who thoroughly enjoy the club and really take part in all activities, never letting any obstacle cloud the possibility of helping other members or improving their own life skills."
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with members of Club 21 at the celebration.