Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, who was Sheriff of Poole in 2005/2006, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt and the current Sheriff and his lady attended the annual National Conference of Sheriffs held this year in the ancient city of Norwich.

The event was held over three days. On the first day the Civic Party travelled up to Norwich in the Mayoral Car and arrived just after lunch.  After settling in at the hotel the party attended the first reception of the event that evening at Norwich Castle in the City, where they were met by four past Sheriffs from Poole and their Escorts and a huge group of other Sheriffs from all over England and Wales.  Our Mayor, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, could not resist trying out the throne and crown for size. Norwich Castle, one of Norwich City's most famous landmarks, was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Used as a prison from the 14^th century, the Castle became a museum in 1894.

The following morning the Sheriffs met for their AGM at Norwich City Hall. Sadly, as in every year there were obituaries of past Sheriffs to be heard and this year was particularily sad with 6 deaths since the last AGM. However on a lighter note the attendance of present Sheriffs was especially good with 14 of the 15 Sheriffs of England and Wales attending the 22^nd Annual Conference. The City Hall was completed in 1936, only five years after the Civic Centre in Poole was built.

The AGM was followed by a buffet lunch and then the Sheriffs and our Mayor split into their variouls groups to attend the pre-arranged tours of the City. Our Mayor Cllr Mrs Judy Butt holds with just a few others the unsual position of attending the Sheriff's convention as a Mayor as the majority of the Sheriff's posts are held by members of the public and not Councillors, so the natural progression from Sheriff to Mayor is not the accepted rule as in Poole where the situation is almost unique.  There was one other Mayor in attendance who was Sheriff last year, the Mayor of Gloucester, and of course the Mayor of Norwich who formed the welcoming party from Norwich itself together with the Sheriff and Chief Executive.

That evening all Sheriffs met in the Assembly Hall in Norwich and enjoyed a delicious meal and an excellent after dinner speaker Mr Alan Ketford a solicitor of the City and a true wit to boot. The following Sunday morning the currently serving Sheriffs, our own Mayor and the Mayor of Gloucester and Norwich met at the Octagon Church. The Sheriffs then robed and joined their colleagues on the City Hall steps for photographs. The whole group then processed around the City in a huge long line stretching some two hundred feet long.  The Poole Sheriff took up his place with his lady in alphabetical order at the front of the procession and our Mayor in full chains was honoured to be asked to lead the past Sheriffs procession with the Mayor of Gloucetser, they followed closely behind the main body. The whole procession was led by the ‘Norwich Whifflers' who dressed in colourful Elizabethan jester costumes were accompanied by the ‘Norwich Dragon' a mythical beast that in past days chased away children and vagrants who stood in the path of the procession of those in high office.

The whole procession filed into the Church of St Peter Mancroft and took part in a delightful thanksgiving service where the Sheriff of Norwich and the President of the Sheriff's Association both read the lessons. After the service the group met in the Octagon Church for coffee and then bidding their goodbyes to each other left to return to their own homes.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This annual event was a true success and enjoyed by everyone present. I very much look forward to attending the next Sheriff Convention in 2007 to be held in Haverford West in Wales."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, tries out the throne and crown at Norwich castle during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

Norwich Castle, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

Norwich City Hall, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Council Chamber in Norwich City Hall, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

Norwich market with the Castle in the background, Norwich City Hall, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

Norwich Guildhall, Norwich City Hall, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The crooked house, one of the many sights in Norwich.

The Mayor's Consort, Mr David Butt, with the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor, at the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Sheriff's lady and Deputy Mayoress, at the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Norwich Town Crier David Bullock, at the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Sheriff of Poole and the Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, at the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Mayor of Norwich with the group of serving Sheriffs, at the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Octagon Church in Norwich, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The magnificent stained glass window in the Octagon Church in Norwich, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Norwich Whifflers, taken during the National Conference of Sheriffs.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presented awards to outstanding members of Poole Sea Cadets at TS Drax in Poole.

The Mayor was ‘piped aboard' with bosun's whistles by guard of honour L/C Joe Miles and A/C Grant Hughes, and attended the branch AGM during which the unit's Commanding Officer Lt Colin Webb described the sea cadets' activities for the past year and how TS Drax had improved its performance, then announced his pending retirement during the coming year. The Mayor then took great pleasure in presenting some 17 awards to various cadets, including her own youth escort Tom Newman who had achieved ‘cadet of the year', and made an encouraging speech to the cadets and parents.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "These awards are a success for the whole unit, including those cadets who may not have won anything this evening, every cadet is part of the whole team and it is only by being part of that team and working for each other that such accolades are achieved, in my eyes they are all winners. I was very proud that my own chosen Mayor's Youth Escort Tom Newman had been named as Cadet of the Year and that the part he played in accompanying me and my husband David with many Poole War Veterans to France to lay wreaths in honour of the fallen earlier this year had played a large part in reaching the decision to award Tom with such a fabulous accolade. He is a delightful young man and a true representative of all the Cadet forces in Poole" 

TS Drax's guard of honour, L/C Joe Miles and A/C Grant Hughes, practice their salute assisted by the Mayor's son, A/C Charles Butt prior to the award ceremony.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort Mr David Butt, Commanding Officer Lt Colin Webb and officers and committee members of TS Drax.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presenting an award to her own youth escort Tom Newman at TS Drax.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, was asked to introduce the Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Petford who was set to deliver a very special lecture given at Bournemouth University about ‘How volcanoes work'.

The Mayor had first met Professor Petford at his welcoming reception in June this year when he was appointed as BU's Pro Vice Chancellor.  He had promised to invite the Mayor back at a later stage and she was delighted to be invited to introduce him to an awaiting audience for his first lecture of the season. After the well researched introduction by the Mayor, (as Professor Petford is a man of many letters and degrees), the professor described in understandable but fascinating terms what makes volcanoes erupt or explode, and what the consequences can be. He also discussed the recently discovered ‘super volcanoes' and the risks they posed, and laid to rest the much-publicised threat of a collapsing volcano on La Palma causing a giant tsunami. After completing a series of lectures at Bournemouth University, Professor Petford plans to travel to Montserrat to study the Soufrière Hills Volcano.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was quite a challenge to be the warm up person for such a learned and erudite man, but with a couple of jokes and an admission of total ignorance on my part as to the volcano front the stage was set for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. The prognosis for the volcanoes in the so called ‘Ring of Fire' around the Pacific Ocean is quite alarming but thanks to the constant research and vigilance of people like Professor Petford we will always be assured of the knowledge of an eruption before it occurs!"

 The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, being welcomed by Bournemouth University's PR Manager Mr Charles Elder.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Bournemouth University's Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Petford.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, entertained a group of Japanese Local Government Officials from Tokyo in her Parlour, she invited the Sheriff to attend with her and was delighted to welcome Mr Peter Devlin who escorted the group and Mr Tim Martin our Borough Solicitor. The group had been interested spectators at that morning's Citizenship Ceremony.

The three visitors displayed a great interest in the workings of British local government, testing the Mayor's knowledge and experience and delighted when she rose to the challenge.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was heartening to discover that we all want the same things for our communities.   Even though we are thousands of miles apart both in distance and culture we agreed that we all wanted stability, a balanced economy, a good education for our children, a fair and balanced social services provision and a sustainable environment that we will be proud to hand onto our children. I was delighted to be presented with a beautiful box of five pairs of assorted coloured chop sticks one for each member of my family which also pleased Tako who presented them to me.  In turn I presented each of them with a Twin Sails lapel pin and a history of the Mayoralty which they were equally delighted with, especially the Twin Sails pins as they had heard so much about our new bridge!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Sheriff, Poole's Head of Legal Services, and the visiting Japanese local government officials.

The multi-coloured chopsticks presented to the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, by the visiting Japanese local government officials.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by the Sheriff, presided over a Citizenship Ceremony in the Marriage Room at the Civic Centre. The ceremony was very ably led by our own Acting Registrar Christine Stainton.

A record number of 17 applicants attended to swear allegiance to the Crown, originating from Eastern Europe, Africa, India, the Caribbean and many other countries. The Mayor gave a moving speech of welcome and presented a citizenship certificate to each person.  The Sheriff supported the Mayor in a short address, and the participants were then presented with a short history of the Mayor and Sheriff. Following a photo session which everyone took advantage of, the Mayor and Sheriff talked with the new citizens at some length.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "These ceremonies are always a delight to both the Sheriff and myself, the participants take such pride in preparing for the day and on many occasions will come in their own national costume which I acknowledge as an act of honour to us. They look magnificent and to a large extent many have made the costumes themselves. I am very much looking forward to the Guildhall being opened next April as the citizenship ceremony will be moving there which will be an idea venue for such a special occasion for all involved!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, and the Sheriff with the new citizens at the Citizenship Ceremony.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt together with the Mayor of Bournemouth, opened the first leg of the traditional annual Mayor's Golf Match between Poole and Bournemouth at Queens Park Golf Course in Bournemouth.

At the tee-off, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt met the members of both teams and learned a few important pointers about scoring and handicapping. Despite the Poole team coming second she made a humorous speech at the tea following the afternoon's sport.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "My biggest handicap is that I can't hit the ball at all, the safest place for me and all golfers on the course is the 19^th hole! As Poole euphemistically came second out of two, I had to scold my team somewhat harshly suggesting that their biggest achievement that day had actually been finding their way to the golf course, but unlike the Bournemouth team I could clearly see Poole's tactics which was to pretend to be so abysmal that the Bournemouth team would be lulled into a sense of false security and let down their guard at the rematch next year. However what really worried the team and got their immediate attention was that if they didn't improve then I would play in the team next year in which case we might just as well book the greens have a picnic on it and go home!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Mayor of Bournemouth, tries a golf buggy for size at the annual Mayor's Golf Match at Queens Park Golf Course.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Poole team at the annual Mayor's Golf Match at Queens Park Golf Course.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, opened an International Students Reception at Bournemouth University.

Hosted by Mr Paul Curran, Pro-Chancellor of the University, the event was attended by hundreds of new foreign students from as far afield as Nigeria, Ghana, the Far East and Russia. A welcome speech was made by Mr Paul Curran, Pro-Chancellor of the University and a short address was given by the Mayor of Bournemouth, followed by a light and humorous speech from Mayor of Poole Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, who quickly had the audience relaxed and laughing. She subsequently spent some time meeting and talking with many of the professors and students attending. For more information about international students at the University, see www.bournemouth.ac.uk/

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The two previous speakers were very eloquent and professional and had more or less covered everything that could be said regarding welcome, so I decided that I would be the light entertainment for the evening and told the assembled crowd a little about the long and chequered history of Poole and it's sometimes uncertain relations with many other countries, the quaint custom of Bournemouth University actually being partly in Poole and that contrary to popular belief there was  no need for fleece lined coats that one international student had been seen buying the day before but a golfing umbrella would prove to be very useful!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with two of the new students at the International Students Reception at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr Paul Curran, Pro-Chancellor of the University, at the International Students Reception at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a Fundraising Fashion Show, hosted by Mr Ken Pottle of the Canford Cliffs Neighbourhood Watch, at the Sandbanks Hotel in Poole.

The show, which was organized by Maria of Westbourne, displayed a wide selection of day outfits in autumn colours, followed by a parade of gorgeous evening dresses. The show was followed by an auction of a tea service, and a raffle, drawn by the Mayor, with dozens of lovely prizes.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The models included a past Miss Universe, a lady who ventured in to buy a dress for the first time and found herself amongst the evening's models, staff members from ‘Maria' and seasoned  customers who have been modelling for many years for the annual show.  I picked up a few more modelling tips and hopefully I shall soon be back on the catwalk putting these skills to good use!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, on stage with Mr Ken Pottle of the Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks Neighbourhood Watch, at the Fashion Show at Sandbanks Hotel in Poole.

One of the gorgeous evening dresses being modelled by a past Miss Universe at the Fashion Show at Sandbanks Hotel in Poole.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended a cocktail party at Parkstone Yacht Club to welcome the J24 Sailing Class contestants taking part in the Challenge Cup taking place in Poole.

With 60-70 teams taking part from all parts of the world such as Canada, Germany and Ireland to name but a few it certainly was a very cosmopolitan event.  The Mayor gave a speech based on the capacity for sailors around the world to clear any buffet regardless of size at a speed that would put any self respecting Piranha family to shame!

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I joked with the crews when a lot of them discovered that they were over weight regarding total load for the boat being a crew of 5 at 400 kg that at 49 kg's I would loan myself out to the first good looking sailor in the competition, as they were all good looking and they all queued up to take me up on my challenge. I then informed them that I was to sailing what Pavarotti was to ballet dancing and that although only light I would certainly be a bit of dead weight in the boat!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Parkstone Yacht Club Commodore Tony Strudwick and his wife Val, with the German Team captain at the J24 Sailing Challenge Cup launch.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Parkstone Yacht Club Commodore Tony Strudwick and members of the club committee at the J24 Sailing Challenge Cup launch.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the Commodore's Cocktail Party at Lilliput Sailing Club along with other invited guests, including the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council Cllrs Brian Leverett and Ann Stribley.

The Mayor thoroughly enjoyed an evening of learning much more about the many types of boats that are kept and used at the club.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "They were a super bunch of people and I was very touched to learn that the Commodore Colin Stewart had brought the party forward to accommodate me because I was not available to attend on the original set date.  I was amazed to learn that we have 8 Yacht clubs in Poole alone and thousands of different water vessels ranging from sail boards, through kayaks, dinghies, and then on to huge 40ft plus cruising yachts. I have tried kayaking only recently and if I get the chance I shall certainly take anyone up on the offer of steering their craft, regardless of size or power!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with members of Lilliput Sailing Club at the Commodore's Cocktail Party, including a WW2 veteran who is the oldest member of the club.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with honorary members of Lilliput Sailing Club Mr Jonathan Clarke, coxswain of the Poole lifeboat, and his wife Ann-Marie at the Commodore's Cocktail Party.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a Development Education in Dorset DVD launch party at Bournemouth University Talbot Campus, hosted by Mrs Louise Boston-Mammah of DEED and Mr Ben Kelly of Alpha Wave productions, producer of the DVD.

The Mayor gave three interviews which featured in the powerful and thought-provoking DVD, on the subject of discrimination and bullying and intended for distribution among Poole's schools. After giving an opening speech and watching the DVD, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt participated in a panel to answer questions and join in an open debate with the audience. The experience prompted a 13-year old girl in the audience to talk emotionally about an incident of bullying which had affected her, and the Mayor complimented her on her bravery in speaking out.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The DVD was excellent and will be a terrific vehicle to promote debate on all the issues of discrimination entailed within it.  When I was being interviewed I was able to recount my experiences as a mother of two beautiful boys who had been mercilessly bullied throughout their school lives, but when I saw myself speaking of the treatment they had received and how incensed I was that any human being could be so dismissive of another in their conduct towards them, I was moved to tears.  This prompted me to think how awful it must be for the actual victim and how much we can all do by bringing an awareness to our communities that discrimination in any shape cannot be tolerated in our modern, open and equal society!" 

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Miss Joanna Brightwell of DEED at the DVD launch at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presents a certificate to one of the many young people who contributed to the DEED DVD at the launch at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, being introduced by Miss Joanna Brightwell of DEED at the DVD launch at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with panel - Mrs Anthi Stylianou of the Safe Together Partnership, Miss Joanna Brightwell of DEED, Mrs Ann Khambatta of Pulse and Mr Ben Kell of Alpha Wave Productions at the DVD launch at Bournemouth University.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, took part in a Charity Fashion Show at Poole Grammar School, organized and introduced by Miss Pauline Monk, President of Soroptimist International Poole, in conjunction with Mrs Tracie Beardsley of Fab Frocks, Westbourne. The models, none of whom were professionals, were of all shapes, sizes and ages and gave their time freely in a good cause.

The whole show was themed around the Mayor carrying out hundreds of public engagements in just four months, and needing to choose a variety of outfits to wear. Following an hour's final briefing and rehearsal before the show, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt opened the proceedings with a short welcome speech in a black pin striped ‘power suit' together with Mayoral Chains, before disappearing backstage to join the other models.

The first parade, ‘Dressy Days', featured a selection of day dresses, with the Mayor showing off a black and white dress with a black jacket which she removed in fine style as she paraded along the catwalk between the serried ranks of the audience. She then indulged in some light banter with compere John Billington while the other models changed for the next scene.

The second parade displayed ‘mother of the bride outfits', ranging from fabulous silk suits to more sober outfits for the older ladies, and was accompanied by some superb singing from the ‘Take 4' Ladies Harmony Quartet.

Next, the Mayor led into the ‘Little Black Numbers' scene, wearing a gorgeous jersey short black halter neck dress with a tiny pencil pleated rill skirt and promptly stole the show with a Marilyn Monroe-style swirl that set pulses racing among the men present. There followed a choice of short and long black dresses, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt insisting "every woman needs at least six of these in her wardrobe, so buy another one tonight".

After an interval for the audience to enjoy refreshments and browse the stalls at the back of the hall, the evening dress parade saw the Mayor wearing an elegant long silver satin  bodice fitted evening dress with a diamante front flash decoration, matching satin gloves, shoes and handbag She led the parade of the superb evening wear from the stage onto the catwalk and then returned to the stage for another ‘I'm the Mayor - what do I wear' light-hearted question and answer session with the compere.

Then the Finale - and a concerted gasp was heard from the audience as the Mayor appeared on stage in a stunning red satin full length evening dress with train and matching evening scarf and shoes, accessorised with diamante Indian-style hand jewelry and matching necklace.  This ensemble held everybody's rapt attention despite the parade of gorgeous evening wear which followed.

After assembling all of the models and helpers on stage, the audience reluctantly dispersed having raised over £3000 for the chosen charities; Poole Youth Cancer Trust, Life Education Dorset and Project Independence Women Survivors of War.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "They were all gorgeous dresses and I fell in love with the fabulous red one on sight.  I was allowed to choose my own wardrobe to model on the evening, however sadly together with all the beautiful accessories I had to hand all dresses back when I went home! My fellow models were an absolute scream and we all looked fairly cool and composed on the stage but behind the scenes in the biology lab, where we had set up temporary ‘dress quarters', (not the most salubrious of billets but adequate under the circumstances) the feverish stripping of garments and shoes and hastily applied make- up and fascinators (feather head pieces) was a sight to behold. I only had one small mishap, (as you do) when I forgot to give my pink balloon that I was carrying during my sojourn down the catwalk in the silver evening dress to a member of the audience. My Chauffeur for the evening was Maurice Silvey from Print Design Services who helps out part time to cover for holidays, so I beckoned to him to come to front stage and presented him with my pink balloon, his cheeks matching the balloon colour in sheer embarrassment. Last seen he was driving the limo with the balloon in the back on pain of death not to remove it until he got home, I wonder where it is now?"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shows off her day dress on the catwalk at the Charity Fashion Show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, takes the stage in her ‘little black number' at the Charity Fashion Show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, ‘struts her stuff' in her elegant silver evening dress at the Charity Fashion Show.

The ‘gasp' moment - The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, walks on stage for the Finale in her stunning red dress at the Charity Fashion Show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, receiving congratulations from her secretary Mrs Jo Clements and chauffeur Mr Maurice Silvey after the Charity Fashion Show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a cocktail party and showing of ‘Township Stories' performance at the Lighthouse.

The Mayor was both appalled and fascinated by the poverty and violence depicted in the show, which included alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, genital torture, a mystery serial killer and father-son rape - all before the break! The second half included wife beating, home abortion and contract killing. Despite the gritty theme - or perhaps because of it - the show has been a great success in South Africa and in Vienna, as well as the UK.

Following the show, the Mayor submitted a critique, which was immediately accepted and is to be used by the Lighthouse.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was terrifying, cringingly amazing, bloody, violent and awful but I couldn't keep my heart from following the lives of those portrayed and my mind from delving into the maelstrom that is their every day life in being.  It was a bare bones enlightening evening, it would seem that humanity shuns what it doesn't understand and therefore isolates those who most need our succour.  I was unable to sleep or to settle my thoughts that night as the vivid imagery was still impressed upon my own psyche. I realized with some gravity as to how privileged we are to live in a society that generally can morally decipher when wrongs must be sanctioned by the law of the land and not the law of the enraged spirit!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Lighthouse Programme Director Alastair Wilkinson and members of the management team at the showing of ‘Township Stories'.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, met Mr Alan Coote and Mr Keith Sterling in her Parlour to discuss a new community radio project and to gain the Mayor's advice and support in the launch of a new radio station for Poole.

In the very early stages as yet, this new station could launch by next spring, and would be based in Poole and broadcast to the residents of Poole. Mr Keith Sterling is already a well-known broadcaster, hosting the breakfast show on Forest FM radio in East Dorset. They discussed at length the format the station should take, and what was necessary to bring the new facility about.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "This proposed station sounds very exciting as it is going to be an holistic community based service.  Everyone who wishes to have access to it will have the opportunity to be heard, this will greatly enhance our wroth of voluntary and charitable organisations, schools, churches, sports groups to name but a few. The watchwords for the new station are ‘interaction and participation' so no one will be denied a voice. I very much look forward to taking advantage of this excellent proposed future communication provision."  

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr Alan Coote and Mr Keith Sterling in her Parlour.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her daughter Georgina Butt and secretary Mrs Jo Clements, took part in a rehearsal at Poole Grammar School for Thursday's Charity Fashion Show.

While they were not allowed to bring out the fabulous dresses planned for the show itself, they were tutored by Mrs Tracie Beardsley of Fab Frocks in how the programme would run and in all the moves expected of them to display the clothes to best effect.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was all very complicated, but I'm sure it'll be all right on the night. We all had a giggle wobbling, wiggling and whirling (metaphorically only of course) down the catwalk and had much discussion as all girlies do about matching shoes, jewelry and hairstyles! "

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Miss Pauline Monk, President of Soroptimist International Poole at the Fashion Show rehearsal.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her secretary Mrs Jo Clement and daughter Georgina Butt, taking a few minutes out at the Fashion Show rehearsal.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, practices her moves at the Fashion Show rehearsal.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, opened new premises for Harbour Boats in Allens Lane, Hamworthy, and tried out one of their ‘Chesapeake' kayaks in the Harbour.

The Mayor met proprietors John and Heather Heason at a summer fair in Poole Park, and instantly took up their offer to open their new premises for manufacturing the boats and the chance to paddle one of their kayaks. It was a bright sunny Monday morning with a brisk breeze at Ham Common beach when the Mayor fearlessly climbed into the tiny vessel and, accompanied by an instructor, paddled confidently off into the distance. They returned a little while later, with Cllr Mrs Judy Butt buzzing with her usual enthusiasm for rising to and achieving yet another first for her and thoroughly enjoying the experience into the bargain.

The Mayor and her hosts then moved to the new premises in Hamworthy and, after a warming cup of tea, took a guided tour of the new unit and explained the intricacies of manufacturing high quality kayaks, which can take up to six weeks to build.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Another blast for me, the sensation of gliding silently (difficult for me I know) over the water propelled by one's own physical efforts was amazing.  I could hear the water rippling past the spear-like hull and the splashing explosion of water each time my paddle hit the surface.  I did experience one small hiccup in that if I ‘dug in' too deeply with my paddle on the downward stroke I filled my sleeve up with water and then gracefully emptied it over my middle on the upward stroke! Hence I was slightly damp in the lower quarters of the boat!!  It was great fun and something I should very much like to do again."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Harbour Boats proprietors Heather and John Heason at Ham Common beach.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, learning how to paddle a kayak at Ham Common beach.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, out in the Harbour in the kayak, shadowed by the instructor.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the RAF Association's Battle of Britain Commemoration Service at St James parish church in Poole.

Air Force cadets from Poole, Parkstone and Wareham formed a guard of honour as the Mayor arrived. The Mayor was formally invited by the Air Force Group Captain G.P. Davies to inspect the parade. She took great delight in this and shared a joke with each parade member commenting at the end that she had tried the same tactics at Horse Guard's Parade but they were having none of it! The Mayor then entered the church, followed by the cadets' colours. During the moving service, Rev Bob Mason paid tribute to the aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain, and readings were taken and read from the Old Testament by the Mayor, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, and from the New Testament by RAF Association President Mr D Whitehead. Afterwards, the Mayor took the opportunity over coffee to meet all of the veterans and cadets who attended.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was heartening to see such a splendid turn out by our young cadets to honour the fallen of the Battle of Britain.  The conflict cost the lives of 544 young men of the Air Forces and the feeling of loss for their sacrifice was tangible during the service.  I was delighted to be joined by veterans from WW2, Korea and other conflicts. They quite rightly, proudly wore their medals in commemoration of their many pals that didn't return home. I was deeply proud to spend time with them and to be able to take their hands and thank them for their fearlessness and valour."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shares a joke with one of the cadets on parade at St James church.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with RAF veterans and cadets at the Battle of Britain Commemoration Service at St James parish church in Poole.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, and her very loyal Charity Committee and supporters, organized a highly successful Charity Barn Dance at St Mary's Church hall in Wimborne Road which sold out in the week before the event.

The action started early in the evening, with guests eagerly jumping up and dancing to the ‘Old Pull And Push' band, filling the dance floor from the very beginning. By mid-evening, everyone had danced several times, and were ready for the delicious home-made ploughman's meal. Any gaps during the break were filled by a table quiz set by the Mayor, prizes for the best-dressed cowboys, and a farm-themed raffle with some superb prizes.

With the formalities over, it was back to dancing again, with the music making it impossible for anyone to sit still for long and the evening was suddenly gone, everybody completely losing track of time in the fun and activity. It was close to midnight before the last of the more than 150 tired but happy revellers headed for home, having helped to raise over £1500 for the Mayor's charities. Tickets for the next event are available from the Mayor's Secretary on email j.clements@poole.gov.uk or telephone 01202 633200.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was a brilliant evening, everybody loved it and the band thought we had such a wonderful crowd that they immediately offered to play for us again at our next Ceilidh event on 24^th March 2007 same place same time. The band are a real draw for the event and much sought after, reservations for tickets are already being taken so don't delay in joining in the fun and raising a rude amount of cash for my three charities in the mean time."  

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Consort Mr David Butt, Charity Committee acting Chairman Ms Jackie Maynard at the Barn Dance.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with three generations of the Butt family at the Barn Dance.

‘Ladies Who Do' - Mrs Linda Gillard, Mrs Anne Barnley, Ms Jackie Maynard and Cllr Mrs Mary Hillman, members of the Mayor's Charity Committee serving refreshments at the Barn Dance.

The packed dance floor at the Barn Dance.

‘The Mayor's beefcake' - The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with one of the raffle prizewinners.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr and Mrs Mark Barnley, winners of the best-dressed cowboy competition.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Charity Committee acting Chairman Ms Jackie Maynard at the height of Barn Dance.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, helping to clear up after the Barn Dance.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a Saturday morning Shabbat service at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I have never been into a Synagogue before and I was fascinated to see the layout and design of the interior.  It was similar to most places of worship with a raised dais where the Rabbi takes the service, steps leading up to the dais with an altar type construction in the middle, where the elders read the Torah. One of the most poignant moments of the service was the ‘Amidah' where prayers are said facing the Torahs behind the altar and as these are said the Rabbi and the Elders standing on the dais raise themselves up onto their toes to be as close to the angels as possible when invoking the prayer. The service was inspiring and uplifting and the songs that were sung were haunting but beautiful, a truly moving and spiritual experience."

Bournemouth Reform Synagogue in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, entertained Mr Steve Pratt, with several other members of staff, to a cooked two course luncheon in her Parlour prepared by Jenny Maraspin, our Mayor's present assistant secretary, to mark his departure from the Council.

Steve has served as assistant to the Mayor's Secretary and more recently as the Leader of the Council's P.A., and has gained a reputation for helpfulness and professionalism.

The occasion also marked the 60^th birthday of Mr Mike Weetman, one of the Mayor's two chauffeurs and macebearers, and the Mayor was delighted to present him with a birthday cake and congratulate him on his accession to many age-related benefits such as bus pass, free prescriptions etc.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Steve has been a tremendous asset to the democratic services team and a wonderful support for me when he was  assistant to the Mayor and Sheriff's Secretary during my term of office as the Sheriff of Poole last year. He is an accomplished individual, thorough in his application of his duties and will be much missed by his colleagues. 

Mike was a little appalled that we knew that he was celebrating his launch into official senility but when he saw the lovely candle-lit chocolate cake that Jo Clements my secretary had arranged he cheered up no end.  Always mindful of health and safety, I did not attempt to bedeck said cake with prescribed candle number but chose instead to use one candle to represent each decade!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr Steve Pratt, and members of staff after luncheon in her Parlour.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her secretary Mrs Jo Clements and chauffeur/macebearer Mr Mike Weetman and his birthday cake.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, sat for a portrait as an exercise for the Poole & East Dorset Art Society at Bournemouth & Poole College at North Road College Art Centre Poole.

This engagement stemmed from an earlier event when our Mayor opened the PEDAS Art Exhibition at the Peacock Art Gallery at Upton House earlier in this year. Mr John Bowen the Chairmen of PEDAS said that he would like to paint her portrait and the Mayor was delighted to accept his kind offer.  This resulted in over 20 PEDAS members attending on the night, each individual using a medium of their choice to portray our Mayor.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "In my youth I had sat as a model whilst attending Plymouth Art College and knew how cold and stiff one can get when posing. However I was given a very comfortable chair and clothed in my robes and chains was very snug and warm.  Whilst I modeled I gave the artists a brief history lesson on the regalia and Mayoralty, and they then questioned me on my knowledge. It was a little like being on Mastermind, sitting on a raised dais in a large chair with the light behind me, the only difference being that I got most of their questions right! I am to be presented with several of the portraits, one in pastels, one in oils and one in charcoal; they are all very different but each one of them has captured my spirit in their own interpretation of what they saw!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, sitting for a portrait at North Road College Art Centre Poole.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, was fitted out by Fab Frocks in Westbourne, in preparation for taking part in a fashion show.

The Mayor was allowed to choose four Fabulous outfits to wear at the forthcoming Charity Fashion Show at Poole Grammar School this Thursday 21 September at 6pm, organized by the Poole branch of Soroptimist International.

The outfits are to reflect a typical day in the life of our Mayor, i.e. a day dress for her first appointment of the day, followed by a ‘smart' little black number for a late afternoon appointment, then a choice of an elegant evening outfit and a stunning ball gown for that special Gala Dinner or Ball.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Wow, this was an engagement that wild horses would not have stopped me from attending, The shop was a veritable cornucopia of ‘Haute Couture' with a stunning array of colour, design and price. I cannot wait to model these clothes next week, I know that it will be an evening to remember."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her secretary Mrs Jo Clements at Fab Frocks in Westbourne, making an agonizing choice.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her secretary Mrs Jo Clements at Fab Frocks in Westbourne, hiding their chosen dresses from view.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, at Fab Frocks in Westbourne, trying on a dress for the fashion show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, visited the Dorset Police Marine Section, based at Poole Quay.

The day commenced with a patrol of the Harbour and Dorset Coastline as far up as the pier at Bournemouth, mooring in Swanage Bay at lunchtime. The officers looking after the Mayor and her Consort provided a super buffet lunch all prepared by themselves that morning, washed down with huge mugs of sweet tea before moving on to the next venue.  This proved to be winching up the Mayor on a nylon strop slung under her arms, to a huge Coast Guard Sea King helicopter whilst the boat sped on beneath her.  Nothing daunted, she was taken up into the chopper with squeals of delight and thumbs up to prove that she was having great fun. Her husband David joined her, but found the challenge less enjoyable!  They were then taken on a round trip of the patrol section covered by the Sea King under normal day to day operational conditions. When the helicopter banked hard left and dropped 30 metres out of the sky the Mayor was absolutely delighted and immediately asked for the pilot to repeat the exercise. She was later dropped back onto the speeding Police Launch and safely delivered onto it's deck.  After this amazing feat our Mayor was asked to take the helm and under close supervision and clear instruction steered the vessel from the channel, into the Harbour, down ‘Will's Cut' (a channel in the Harbour), into the Swash Channel and on into the inner Harbour, the Quay limits and the inner Port and docked the launch perfectly on the Marine Police Section pontoon.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was an absolute blast!! A fantastic experience, I loved every second, not because I am brave but obviously too dim to see any of the risks involved, but of course with the all the safety precautions that were taken in my behalf I was never in any real danger. The crews of both the Launch and the Helicopter were consummate professionals and I like all the residents of Poole find it so comforting to know that they are their for every one of us, in the protection of our lovely Harbour and the people who venture out upon her waters".

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, on board the police launch.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, making essential preparations ready for action!

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, hooked up to the helicopter and raring to go.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, hitching a lift - from a helicopter!

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, driving the police launch back to its Poole base.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with officers of the Dorset Police Marine Section, and her Admiral of the Port's flag.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by her husband and Consort Mr David Butt, attended the launch of Hamworthy Engineering's new Combustion Technology Suite.

With Sir Richard Needham, past Minister for Northern Ireland, past Minister of State for Trade, and currently with Dyson, the Mayor made speeches to the shop-floor personnel and Research & Development staff, and the two jointly cut a ribbon to formally open the new unit. Cllr Mrs Judy Butt met and chatted with as many of the employees as possible during a guided tour of the factory and the new unit.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I used to be employed by Hamworthy Engineering when I first came to Poole in the late 1970's and on arriving I was shown through the very area where I first worked. Some of the longer serving employees remembered me and were more than a little astounded to see me back as their Mayor all these year later! It was good to meet Sir Richard who told us amusing stories about his past exploits. The unit is certainly enormous and will ensure that the services the company can provide will be further enhanced and this in turn should improve our own local economy, both in employment and training opportunities."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her Consort Mr David Butt, and (L-R) Hamworthy Combustion's Marketing Manager Mr Michael Wignall, Sir Richard Needham and Hamworthy Combustion's Chief Executive Mr Alan Barlow at the launch of Hamworthy Engineering's new Combustion Technology Suite.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with staff from Hamworthy Combustion's Research & Development team.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, and Sir Richard Needham, cut a ribbon to open the new Combustion Technology Suite.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, entertained Poole Council long service employee Alf Christopher in her Parlour, Alf having recently retired.

Alf who is known as Chris worked for Poole Council for over 45 years, and together with his parents who also worked for a considerable time with the Council clocked up over 130 years between them, an incredible achievement. Alf kept the robes for the Members amongst other duties and could always be relied on to have the robes looking in tip top condition in the right place at the right time.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Alf and his wife Elsie were a beehive of local information having both been born and brought up and spent their married life together in Poole of some 57 years.  Alf was delighted with the special edition Poole Pottery Dolphin that is given to those who make a very special contribution to their town and community, but not as delighted as his wife Elsie who collects them, and even before they had left my Parlour Elsie had decided the designated spot in her front room where the Dolphin would take pride of place. I was delighted to be able to honour such a lovely gent and his wife."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with recently retired Poole Council long service employee Alf Christopher in her Parlour.

The Mayor of