Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, started the Race For Life in Poole Park, but was unable to take part as she had hoped due to bad weather and recent stress on her broken leg.

Almost 1800 runners turned out on an exceptionally wet Sunday morning to run (or rather paddle) for charity in the third occurrence of this event to be held in Poole Park, setting a target of raising over £150K from the day.

The Mayor, displaying her usual sunny disposition despite the conditions and getting at least as wet as everybody else, gave the runners an encouraging speech and then sounded a horn to start the race, ducking quickly out of the way as hundreds of people suddenly charged straight at her.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Well it was certainly wet and cold and windy, but the indomitable spirit of the people of Poole was undaunted and they came in their droves. Sitting there in my wheelchair in the rain I realised that people with cancer had a rainy day every day but because of all the wonderful people who had turned up to run for fun to raise money for treatment and research that there would always be a ray of sunshine in the distance for them to look forward to."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, getting very wet at the start of the Race For Life in Poole Park.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, ducks hurriedly out of the way as hundreds of runners cross the start line.

Runners streaming past as the Race For Life gets under way.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended ‘A Grand Night For Singing' concert at the Alexander Studio Theatre in Bournemouth.

Produced by Liz Ferrie of Curtain Up Productions, each pupil had been allowed to choose their favourite song to perform in public, and the result was an amazing mix of popular music, classical and operatic music, solos, duets and groups, some accompanied by dance as well.

The Mayor's daughter, Georgina, performed several times, especially a duet with her friend Tamsyn, singing ‘Moving On'. The Mayor herself, although not technically a pupil, sang by popular demand ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings', and received a tumultuous and extended ovation from the packed audience.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The performances from the children were really top class, my hands were sore with all the clapping at the end of the evening. I was asked to sing and repeated the previous evening's song for the audience, it must have been ok because no one threw anything at me and they clapped long and loud at the end, probably due to their amazement rather than any talent on my part!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with producer Liz Ferrie and one of the pupils at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor's daughter, Georgina Butt and her friend Tamsyn, perform on stage at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, sings ‘Wind Beneath My Wings' at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, leads as the audience gets into the swing of the music.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with producer Liz Ferrie, talks to the audience after the show.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, held her Celebration Farewell Charity Ball at the Haven Hotel.

It is a tradition of Mayors of Poole to hold a Charity Ball in the spring, but Judy chose to change custom by making it a celebration of her term of office and to make it her farewell, coming only days before her Deputy Mayor-Making. To everybody's amazement, the event was sold out well before the evening with some people unfortunately disappointed when it proved impossible to fit any more guests into the venue.

The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception and an opportunity for guests to have a commemorative photo taken by  professional photographer Libra, while accomplished pianist Richard McLester played gently in the background.

Having found their seats, the diners tucked into a superb meal of a seafood mouselline starter wrapped in smoked salmon, chicken chausseur with a mustard and honey sauce, finished off with a wicked dark chocolate tart. In between courses, Close-Up Magician of the Year James Brown circulated the tables, amazing guests with his displays of sleight of hand and card tricks. The Mayor gave a speech in which she thanked the many people who has supported her throughout the year, following which Poole Harbour Commissioners Chairman Captain Malcolm Shakesby paid tribute to Judy as a great Mayor and a very difficult act to follow, announcing that the Charity Appeal Fund had raised in excess of £60K. Charity Committee Chairman Mrs Jackie Maynard echoed the sentiments and also thanked all the members of the Charity Committee for their hard work during the year, staging some 35 events to raise funds. This was followed by the Mayor's secretary Mrs Jo Clements who thanked Judy on behalf of the Mayor's office for making the year a very full one, but also a fun one with a very different open style and an open heart to go with it, both ladies presented Judy with a huge bouquet and for a moment she was somewhat lost amongst the flowers and the emotion of the evening.

The first surprise during the dessert was when professional Opera singer and close friend of Judy's Miss Liz Ferrie of Curtain Up Productions delivered a superb and powerful rendering of the Italian opera song ‘Time to say Goodbye', a performance which left everybody stunned. On a lighter note, a little later saw the introduction of ‘The Marshallettes', consisting of Liz Ferrie, the Mayor and her daughter Georgina, who gave a very funny (if not always accurate) performance of ‘Anything Goes'. Finally, the Mayor stepped up again to acknowledge the unstinting help and support she has received from her husband David by singing ‘Wind Beneath My Wings', reducing some of her audience to tears in the process.

After a short break the Mayor took on the role of auctioneer, with her trusy ‘retainer' and auctioneers assistant Arthur ‘Lightning' Gillard, who was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, but willing!!! There were many lots ranging from holiday homes, several posh dinners, and pottery including a very special clock made by artist Stewart Freshwater of the '15 Days in Clay' project, raising almost £1300 for the auction.

The rest of the evening was informal, with guests able to dance to the band ‘Casca', play roulette at the fun casino tables, or just relax and chat with their friends. With all the funds counted, the evening raised an astounding five thousand pounds for the Mayor's Charities, thanks to the unending generosity of Poole's residents and businessmen and it has to be said the unconditional drive and determination of our very own Mayor Judy

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The evening was magical, everything seemed to be right, the company, the food, the music, the venue, so much hard work and all to the good. My guests were so kind and complimentary about my year and if I have been a Mayor of the People as they say, it is only because the people have been there unconditionally for their Mayor."

The stunning array of raffle prizes laid out at the Mayor's Celebration Farewell Charity Ball at the Haven Hotel.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her husband David Butt, Poole Housing Partnership Chief Executive Joe Logan and his guests at the Mayor's Celebration Farewell Charity Ball.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her husband David Butt, and Poole Harbour Commissioners Chairman Captain Malcolm Shakesby at the Mayor's Celebration Farewell Charity Ball.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, chats with Poole Council Chief Executive John McBride and his wife at the Mayor's Celebration Farewell Charity Ball.

‘The Marshallettes' entertain - the Mayor (right), opera singer Liz Ferrie (centre) and the Mayor's daughter Georgina.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, receives a bouquet from Charity Committee Chairman Jackie Maynard on behalf of the Committee.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, visits her chauffeur and macebearer David Knight with his wife Marcia.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, sings a moving tribute to her husband David Butt.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presents a birthday gift to ward Council colleague John Rampton.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, conducts the auction with the ‘help' of auctioneers assistant Arthur ‘Lightning' Gillard.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mayor's Secretary Jo Clements and Charity Committee Chairman Jackie Maynard at the Mayor's Celebration Farewell Charity Ball.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, took an informal tour of Montacute special school.

The School, which was built in 1968, caters for pupils with complex profound and multiple or medical needs, organised into Lower and Upper School and offering a variety of play and learning opportunities. Classrooms are bright and spacious, and additional facilities include a large multipurpose hall, a specialist science & technology base, an interactive sensory room, and access to an on-site swimming pool. Four school vehicles enable all groups to make regular use of community facilities.

The school has a large, well-qualified and talented team of teachers, teaching assistants and administrative staff, and acknowledges its staff as its greatest resource, having earned the national Investors In People standard in recognition of this.

In September 2000 Montacute School was awarded Beacon School status by the DfEE in recognition of its strengths in the areas of Curriculum and Assessment, Specialist Provision, Inclusion and Leadership and Management. 

Welcomed by Head Teacher Marion Sammons, the Mayor was impressed and fascinated by the facilities provided and was delighted to meet many of the pupils, some with severe challenges to overcome. Following the tour, the Mayor called in to the cooking classroom, to find a table laid out with tea, biscuits and a delicious selection of scones with jam and cream which proved to be irresistible.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Through the holistic support and encouragement that is available at this very unique place of learning the students truly glow with achievement, regardless of how small that achievement may be, the school is a warm center of understanding and education, every single student is valued as a person in their own right and contributes at their own level and in their own style. I was treated to a scrumptious cream tea by the students, the scones were made by them as was the table decoration and lay out. An inspiring day, I left feeling that whatever talent I have been given I must use to benefit others to the full, as the students who attend Montacute show by example, despite their obvious challenges they are cheerful, upbeat and ever wanting to give of their best "

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with pupils and teachers at Montacute special school.

The special tea laid out for the Mayor on her visit to Montacute special school.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, held her much-anticipated Spring Show in Poole Park.

With many months of preparation work behind, the day of the Show finally arrived with many stallholders arriving very early and even the day before to set up in good time before the public arrived. The Mayor arrived at 6.30am to start the set up and greeting of stall holders as they arrived to set up for the day. At 10am the Mayor and her Consort, arriving escorted by motor cycle outriders, were met by a fanfare from the Dolphin Marching Band, who played a tribute to the major American sponsors Bank of New York and then retired, leaving the Poole Borough Band to strike up for the main sponsors reception laid on by the Mayor as a thank you for all the terrific support that she had received for the Spring Show.

The highlight of the weekend, brought at considerable expense from Switzerland, was Oliver's Water Show, encompassing four young Olympic-standard athletes diving from heights of up to eighty feet to complete acrobatic stunts in mid air before landing in a huge pool of water, usually with an almighty splash. Performing four times a day for the two days, Olivers began with a formal launch which was hosted by the Mayor and attended by representatives from the major sponsors Bank of New York and RM Productions, as well as other contributors to the Show.

Other major attractions in Poole Park included the ever-popular French Market with its selection of continental sausages, cheeses, olives and biscuits. A sound stage, operated by the Rock Poole Project music school, showcased a wide and varied selection of local bands throughout the weekend to the delight of the young people who came along to see what was happening.

Local Chinese entrepreneur Andy Chu staged demonstrations of Oriental cooking and, with his dance group Dragon of the South, staged the colourful Chinese Lion Dances and Dragon Dance. Dorset Fire Brigade staged demonstrations of rescuing the Mayor from a wrecked car, recovering the Mayor in good form but leaving the car in a sorry state. Other demonstrations in the two arenas included gymnastics and trampolining, cadet drill exercises, Maypole dancing and street dancing.

The Wessex Volleyball Team staged demonstrations and taster sessions of their sport, for which Poole is hoping to host the pre-Olympic training, while the well-known Three Counties Classic Car Club brought along a selection of fascinating vehicles from past years. Backed up by a huge selection of businesses, charity stalls and funfair rides, the result was a huge Show with an eclectic mix of attractions to satisfy anyone, as the thousands of attendees were happy to agree with. Despite some inclement weather which caused the loss of some marquees overnight and cooler weather on the second day, the Show was a tremendous success which raised some £19K for the Mayor's Charities and gave the Appeal Fund a huge boost.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Phew! What a marathon it was, 12 months planning, thousands of pounds of sponsorship, a huge team of people to man the gates on the day, ably provided for by my ‘ladies that do' from my Charity Committee, feeding and watering some 200 helpers over the two days. I whizzed around on my own electric scooter and met all the stallholders and performers over the weekend. Enormous thanks must go to all the stalwarts who turned up to stand for hours at a time shaking buckets to collect donations at the five manned gates, we made a stonking £19,000 a record I think, but regardless of that yet another triumph for my charities and the people of Poole who attended in droves despite the weather. I cannot begin to thank my sponsors for their outstanding generosity, every business in the Park supported the event and really enhanced our beautiful Victorian Park as a place for the community to meet and enjoy all that is has to offer. The Bank of New York and RM Productions ensured that the Show was possible deepest gratitude to them for ensuring that the Community remain to enjoy the Mayor's Show!"

The opening of Oliver's Water Show at the Mayor's Charity Spring Show in Poole Park.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Chinese entrepreneur Andy Chu and a children's Chinese Lion at the Mayor's Charity Spring Show in Poole Park.

The Chinese Dragon during the Dragon Dance at the Mayor's Charity Spring Show in Poole Park.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, p-p-picks a p-p-pair of p-p-penguins (husband David Butt right and family friend Russell Mahoney) at the Mayor's Charity Spring Show in Poole Park.

The Mayor's daughter, Georgina Butt, prepares to make a dive at the Water Show at the Mayor's Charity Spring Show in Poole Park.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, opened the new Sportszone facility at Rockley Park.

Part of the well-known holiday park, the new Sportszone offers holidaymakers a range of activities with a sporting flavour, including tennis, archery, fencing, sailing and sub-aqua, all with suitable training.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I was met by ‘Mark' a completely ‘off the wall' children's entertainer and Barney the life size Bear who was  desperately in need of a shave. After opening the ‘Zone' and chatting to Barney and Mark in ‘bearease' the accepted language of bear according to Mark, I then joined the holiday makers for a chat and a glass of fizz. The facility is now huge and has everything families could wish for to have a super action packed fun filled holiday, or a quiet break for two, it catered for all needs and all in the beautiful setting of Rockley Sands just a few hundred yards away from the complex!!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, opened an art exhibition at the Peacock Gallery in Upton Park

Organised by the Parkinson's Disease Society, all of the artists are sufferers from the disease, and the exhibition set out to show that there is still life after Parkinson's. With about a dozen artists exhibiting, one of them, Martin Phipps, was involved in setting up the Gallery as Head of Poole's Museums at the time.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I am humbled by the artists who sadly find themselves slowly deteriorating over time, but undaunted and with no self pity they have made a decision to put their feelings into their art and leave a beautiful legacy for future generations, their courage is a burning example of how adversity breeds hope, the future may be short for a lot of the artists but it is filled with dignity and beauty in the pieces that they have produced, a true voice there for future generations to come."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, held the final charity car boot sale of her term of office at Creekmoor Park and Ride.

With 135 sellers and literally thousands of buyers attending, the biggest problem of the morning was running short of space for all the cars, a first for the Park and Ride. In this case the last was definitely the best, raising over £900 for the Mayor's Charities.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "A great turn out and a great result. The nicest comment that I received from the sellers was that the car boots have been just that, real car boots with genuine ‘car booters' selling their wares, no commercial stalls or fly by night ‘Jerry go lightlies'  in sight!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, opened a Flower Festival at St Peter's Church in Parkstone.

Themed to celebrate the coming of summer and to emphasise the ‘living' nature of the church within the community, each of the many floral decorations had been contributed by an individual or organisation with links to the church. Ranging from simple bouquets to huge floral sculptures, the decorations made the church into a blaze of colour which the Mayor and all the members of congregation toured in admiration. The Mayor addressed the congregation and asked them to join her in a unique prayer written specially for florists, she then regaled them with her usual wit and joined them in song in the delightful church service. She was presented with a huge bouquet of white tea roses, the scent was beautiful and the Mayor was almost moved to tears by the lovely gesture.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The exhibits were stunning, depicting concepts, stories, seasons and much much more. The colours were from delicate pastels so pale in hue as to be almost transparent to striking brilliant oranges and the deepest of blue black purples, every flower known to man must have been there, a huge feat for the Church and I hope something they will consider doing on a bi annual basis. All the flowers at the end of the festival were taken to retirement homes, day centres and other churches in Poole, nothing was wasted. The talents of our local community is boundless, I wouldn't know how to begin to ‘build' the huge structures but the ladies and gents who did, deserve the accolades of congratulations that they received in droves from the delighted spectators visiting on the day."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with coordinator Victoria Carter at the Flower Festival at St Peter's Church.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, admires one of the stunning floral sculptures at the Flower Festival at St Peter's Church.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, cannot resist touching her favourite flowers at the Flower Festival at St Peter's Church.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with another superb floral sculpture at the Flower Festival at St Peter's Church.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, congratulated Mrs Dolly Blatchford on her centenary at Holly Court in Parkstone.

Having been born in Lambeth and lived most of her life in Watford, Dolly moved to Poole three years ago. She has remained very active and as recently as a year ago was still enjoying looking after her garden and going out to play bingo. She is the proud matriarch of a huge family of three children, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, most of whom travelled from various parts of the country to celebrate her centenary.

The Mayor was delighted to find Dolly in fine fettle and bright as a button, presenting her with a huge bouquet of flowers and sharing a glass of champagne to toast Dolly and her family.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "We are certainly blessed with our centenarians in Poole, this lady was stunning, we shared several glasses of bubbly and nattered and giggled the afternoon away. There were 5 generations there with one tiny great great grandchild!  Dolly is a true Bow Bells Londoner and moved to Poole on her retirement, she told me stories of how hard it was during WW2 and how they had to tolerate whale meat, she told me that she could never face fish after that and frankly I don't blame her! We all sang Happy Birthday to her and ate a delicious buffet prepared by the Wardens who care for her at the supported accommodation unit. "

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shares a joke with Mrs Dolly Blatchford on her centenary at Holly Court.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, made an informal visit to the Streetwise Safety Centre in Bournemouth.

The Streetwise Safety Centre is an indoor, life-sized, interactive safety education centre in Wallisdown, Bournemouth, where people of all ages can discover how to keep safe and what to do in an emergency in an exciting, memorable and confidence-building way. The charity works in close partnership with like-minded agencies, businesses and organisations to deliver preventative education, helping to reduce the tragedy and cost of avoidable accidents. Crime prevention, good citizenship and responsible behaviour messages are an integral part of the education process.

Whilst catering primarily for 5-12 year olds in school or youth organisation groups, Safety Tours are also available for pre-school children, teenagers and senior citizens. Families are also particularly encouraged to attend and learn together during school holidays and during early evening tours in term time.

Since Streetwise opened to the public in January 1999 over 45,000 young people have benefited from its unique form of interactive safety education, generally from within a sixty-mile radius of Bournemouth. The centre has received fact-finding visits from all over the country and from as far away as Japan and Texas.

Met by manager Alison Curtis, the Mayor took great delight in touring the highly realistic scenarios built into the centre, ranging from a domestic house, through a street scene, railway station complete with train, a building site and even a farmyard, each with a catalogue of accidents waiting to happen. In the course of her visit, the Mayor met and chatted with pupils from Branksome Heath Middle School, also on a educational tour.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "They even got the smells right! An amazing place you really could be there. Some terrifying examples of what we must avoid and how to protect against them. I met many schools who were visiting that day and they were thoroughly enjoying themselves, it's a great practical way to instil the simple message of street wise knowledge, easy to understand and easy to remember."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, meets children from Branksome Heath Middle School while visiting the Streetwise Safety Centre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, admires the goldfish in the pond - shame about the dumped car and burned out bin in the background at the Streetwise Safety Centre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, illustrates the effectiveness of a safety helmet by dropping an egg on to concrete at the Streetwise Safety Centre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, made an informal to the Cooking Bus while at Manorside School.

The Food Standards Agency Cooking Bus has been developed in partnership with the Focus on Food Campaign to get across healthy eating and food safety messages to school children in an engaging way. For 42 weeks a year it sets out to different destinations around the country where its two teachers work with school staff to inspire children and highlight the importance of food education, while supporting the national curriculum, teachers' own work objectives, and Government health messages.

Over three years the state-of-the-art mobile kitchen will involve more than 18,000 pupils and 2,400 teachers in its interactive cooking sessions, plus those taking part in projects during the school holidays. All Cooking Bus workshops are hands-on events, making finished dishes to eat there and then, or take home for tea.

The Mayor was delighted to meet the children, emphasising the need for proper hygiene and watching with fascination as the teachers explained the preparation stages for cooking, and in her welcome speech encouraged the children to acquire this essential life skill for both boys and girls. Unfortunately, lack of time prevented her from joining in cooking the salmon dinner, one of her favourite meals.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The bus provides a really hands on opportunity for the students to experience cooking from prep to finished product. The youngsters were very attentive and obviously longing to roll their sleeves up and start cooking!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, was delighted to find full disabled access to the Cooking Bus visiting Manorside School.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with pupils learning about food preparation on board the Cooking Bus visiting Manorside School.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, formally launched the new offices of the Bank of New York at Merck House in Poole.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York the Bank, who had been fortunate not to suffer major losses, recognised the need to become more geographically diverse from their sole UK base at Canary Wharf. Seeking a South Coast location for their new office, they came across the Mayor's web site and asked for a meeting to discuss how best to integrate into the local community, and it was a direct result of the advice, support and enthusiasm they encountered from the Mayor and her staff that convinced the Bank that Poole was the place they wanted to be, creating hundreds of new jobs in the local community. With their recent acquisition of J. P. Morgan's corporate trust operations, the Bank is establishing their Poole office as an international centre of excellence for this type of business.

Greeted by the Bank's Vice-President Matt Hatton, the Mayor met Bank directors for an informal briefing and reception before giving a speech in her usual confident relaxed style with a smattering of jokes and stories. The Mayor then cut a ribbon to open the refurbished building and joined the official guests for the formal reception.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "We are so lucky to have the Bank of New York with us, they could have chosen to go anywhere but opted for our beautiful town of Poole. There is a fabulous opportunity for local employment and fiscal growth over the next decade, the local business community have welcomed them warmly and are very positive about the future of the Bank and how they will impact upon Poole. The Bank's clear stated ethos of supporting the community and being in and amongst the community is laudable and a concept that has worked extremely well in their other offices across the world. I wish them every success and thank them on behalf of the people of Poole for choosing our town, their investment in us is sound our commitment to them is assured. "

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with directors of the Bank of New York at the opening at Merck House in Poole.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the catering staff at the opening at Merck House in Poole.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, took great delight in presenting 40^th anniversary medals to members of the Bourne Valley Morris Dancers on Poole Quay.

Celebrating the club's 40^th anniversary, the performers arrived on Poole Quay during the morning and danced for members of the public to add to the interest of the day while the Admiral's boats were away travelling around the Harbour. With all the formal ceremonies over by 4pm, the Morris dancers, who travelled from towns all over Dorset, then appeared at the Custom House and gave a dancing display for the Mayor, who was delighted to present them with medals to mark the occasion.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said " It's certainly not a dance for wimps, one of the 2 inch thick wooden ‘sticks' broke when a chap thumped it so hard on his partner's head it almost exploded . They looked and sounded really great and were a true spectacle nearly 100 of them dancing during the day."

Bourne Valley Morris Dancers dancing for the Mayor on Poole Quay.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presenting 40^th anniversary medals to members of the Bourne Valley Morris Dancers on Poole Quay.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, received a copy of the famous Winchelsea Certificate on Poole Quay.

Following the Beating of the Sea Bounds, the Mayor was delighted to be presented with an authentic copy of the Winchelsea Certificate by local historian Mike Cullen as a commemorative of the event. Mike had even taken the trouble to visit Winchelsea to obtain special permission to use the great seal on the document.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I am delighted to receive this wonderful memento, the certificate has now been framed and is proudly hanging in front of me in my office at home as I type this quote.  It will always remind me of my very special day, just one from the 759 years of past Mayoral history, may we have centuries more and always protect our past and bring it into the present to ensure a golden future for Poole."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, receiving a copy of the famous Winchelsea Certificate from local historian Mike Cullen on Poole Quay.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, officiated in the historic ‘Beating of the Sea Bounds' Ceremony around Poole Harbour.

In prehistoric and Roman times, Poole Harbour was a major port, but the Anglo-Saxons shunned any Roman connections and moved the port up-river to the town of Wareham. However, over the centuries the river became silted up and shipping increased in size, causing a decline in the viability of Wareham and returning port facilities to Poole, and leading to a dispute between the two towns over jurisdiction, being finally resolved by the Winchelsea Certificate of 1364 which established Poole as a port and set the boundaries. Ever since, the Beating of the Sea Bounds ceremony, a tradition which is unique to Poole, has been held regularly to reaffirm the boundaries.

The Mayor, acting in her capacity as Admiral of the Port of Poole, opened her Admiralty Court at the Custom House on Poole Quay, appointing a Jury whose job was to tour the boundaries. During the opening ceremony, two local children were symbolically ‘punished' by flogging and being pricked with a bodkin to remind them of the boundaries (known as the Pins and Points ceremony); today this is of course only a representation and the children, in the the first of six such rituals during the day, actually receive gifts of leather bound thongs as keepsakes.

The Jury began early by visiting the Broomhill Stone in Hamworthy to meet the ‘Squire of Hamworthy', then proceeded to another boundary stone at Redcliffe Atwell before rejoining the Admiral's flotilla.

In the meantime the Mayor, on board her Admiral's Barge and flying her Admiral's Flag, went up-river to be met by another boat containing the Mayor of Wareham at the boundary of the port jurisdiction; that Mayor and his constables boarding the Admiral's barge for the remainder of the day.

The flotilla then headed to Brownsea Island to meet the Chairman of Purbeck District Council and to ensure the guns of Brownsea Castle, the traditional defence of Poole Harbour, were not trained on Poole shipping. The Admiral and her civic party landed for lunch, kindly provided by the National trust, while her Barge and the flotilla headed out to sea to locate a Humber barrel which had been floated out to mark the seaward boundary of the Port.

Following lunch and with the flotilla still away, the Mayor used a pilot boat and the Royal Marines landing craft to cross to Rockley Point on Sandbanks to confirm another boundary point and conduct another Pins and Points ceremony. Returning to Brownsea Island, the Mayor reboarded her Barge and the flotilla headed back towards Poole Quay.

On the way back, the Admiral's Barge was subjected to a dastardly attack by pirates from Bournemouth Sub-Aqua Club (in an amusing footnote, their boat broke down on the way and the ‘pirates' had to be rescued by the RNLI so they could carry out their attack!) Fortunately the Jury were alert and overcame the pirates, stringing up their ringleader from the mast (but only as a dummy!) and taking the remainder back to Poole Quay in chains.

Returning to the Quay, the Mayor was stunned to see thousands of people lining the Quay awaiting their return, and was moved to receive an ovation as she disembarked and headed for the Custom House for the closing ceremony. During the ceremony, she received a hilarious report from the Foreman of ther Jury about their perambulations and then dismissed the Court, leaving the Sheriff to condemn the pirates to walk the plank. Sadly, the first pirate managed to break the plank by jumping rather than falling off, saving his accomplices from a similar watery fate!

The long day was followed in the evening by a dinner and dance, during which the Mayor paid tribute to all the many individuals and organisations who had contributed to make the event possible.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The day and evening was a credit to the huge amount of people involved to make it the resounding success that it was.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself despite teetering on the edge of various boat decks and gantry planks during the day!! The children were amazing and I am certain will remember their very special day for the rest of their lives, I told them all that without them, the day could not be undertaken and that they were playing a huge historic role in their participation, they all received a gift of a specially woven thong with a gold dolphin pin badge which they all promised to wear with pride on their school uniforms. It was a huge undertaking - 16 months of planning and a few frayed tempers but the outcome was superb and I am delighted that my Charities will benefit from the profits made from both events."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, led by her macebearers, parades along Poole Quay before the Beating of the Sea Bounds Ceremony.

In the opening Pins and Points ceremony, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presents a young lady with her souvenir of the day.

The Admiral's flotilla heading up-channel to meet the Mayor of Wareham.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, shares one of her outrageous jokes with an old friend on board the crowded Admiral's Barge.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the Mayor of Wareham, his Sergeant at Mace (left), and two scary Wareham constables.

In a typically generous gesture, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, passes bacon butties to the Poole lifeboat crew who forgot to bring any lunch.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, on Brownsea Island with her husband David Butt and a ‘pirate' who managed to infiltrate her Barge.

On board Poole's Pilot boat at Rockley Point at Sandbanks, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, ‘punishes' another young lady (who doesn't look very upset!) to remind her of the port boundaries.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, back on Brownsea Island with her Mayor's Secretary Jo Clements and her family.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the sea cadets who escorted her on the day - note the pilot boat in the background.

Returning to Poole Quay, the Admiral's barge is subjected to a dastardly attack by ‘pirates' from Bournemouth Sub-Aqua Club.

With the pirates subdued, the Mayor can relax and enjoy the remainder of the trip back to Poole Quay.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, at dinner in the evening with her husband David Butt and jazz band Gemini.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Poole Rotary Club President David Endicott and his guests, who helped organise the dinner after Gordon Alder was taken ill.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Council colleagues at the dinner; talking with David Gillard while Neil Sorton is in the background.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with daughter Georgina and some friends at the dinner.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mayor's Chaplain Mark Skelton at the dinner.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with friend and expert photographer Stephanie Penrose at the dinner.

They said they were still sober - the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mayor's Secretary Jo Clements and Charity Committee Chairman Jackie Maynard collecting empty (???) bottles after the dinner.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a performance of ‘The Seven Deadly Sins' musical drama at the Alexander Studio Theatre in Bournemouth.

Liz Ferrie, an accomplished professional singer, performer and drama teacher, was approached in 2002 by one of her students to produce a show for charity. The result was the formation of the Curtain Up Productions theatre company, based in the Alexander Theatre in Westbourne. Since that time the company has continued to grow, producing musical drama shows on a regular basis. With her own daughter Georgina already a pupil at the drama school, the Mayor has lent her support to the theatre company.

Greeted by Liz Ferrie, the Mayor was delighted to open the show with a speech of encouragement for both performers and their parents who support the theatre company. The show proved to be a hilarious musical struggle between a bumbling angel and ‘Old Nick' himself, illustrating the effect of the seven deadly sins on ordinary people. Ultimately, of course, ‘The Boss' intervened and ‘Old Nick' retired to fight another day.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was a super evening of wonderful songs and a hilarious story line all performed by young adults ranging from 15 to 24, with two more senior adult leads. This theatre is really beginning to make its mark and the company certainly have a lot to offer. Why not sample an evening for yourself - you are certain to find yourself joining in all the choruses even if you don't know the words exactly, and tapping your feet and other digits along with the music."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the leading lights of ‘The Seven Deadly Sins' musical drama at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with her family at the performance at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

Bumbling angel Liz Ferrie goes head to head with ‘Old Nick' in song at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with members of the cast of ‘The Seven Deadly Sins' musical drama at the Alexander Studio Theatre.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, made a closing speech at the Seatrade Cruise Forum at the RNLI College in Poole.

The Forum brought together an impressive group of top executives from the world's leading cruise lines, headquartered in the USA, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, and emphasised that the South West delivers both as a major cruise destination and a turnaround port - the place for cruise ship passengers to visit for a day and more.

In the short time available to her, the Mayor gave a well informed, intuitive, in-depth speech with the usual smattering of light hearted humour, showing off her business background and understanding of the economic needs of Poole.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "It was an excellent opportunity to network with this huge organisation. Many thanks to Peter Wheelhouse and Graham Richardson who have worked tirelessly to make this event a great success for Poole. I was delighted to meet Mr Douglas Ward who writes the Berlitz Guide to Cruising, a local gent from Barton on Sea and a great lover of Poole Town and all it has to offer."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mr Douglas Ward who writes the Berlitz Guide to Cruising at the Seatrade Cruise Forum at the RNLI College.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, makes her closing speech at the Seatrade Cruise Forum.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, teed off her third golf match in a week at the AM-AM match at Knighton Heath Golf Club.

A traditional amateur golf match played to raise funds for the Mayor's Charities, the Mayor took her third ever swipe at a golf ball, initially raising a huge clod of grass and earth, but then managing a magnificent drive which headed off straight down the fairway.

Despite the cold weather and rain during the day, everybody completed the round and raised an amazing £4000 for the Mayor's Charity Appeal. Among the awards that were presented, the Mayor was stunned to be awarded the ‘most improved player' prize for her teeing-off efforts.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Well third time lucky, and on this occasion it really did go straight down the middle, despite the worst that the strange instant wind phenomenon, (that seems to blow up every time I go near a ball) has upon my stroke. It may be that my new steadying assistant Roy had a more positive effect on my swipe than Bobby Jackson but never the less a pearler in any event. So good in fact that I was the recipient of a hurriedly invented award for the ‘best improved player', I certainly couldn't have got any worse!  I am so grateful to all the wonderful teams who took part especially the organisers Roy, Dave and our own Bobby Jackson. Worryingly though our S151 Officer Bobby did have trouble with his figures and was confused between the numbers 14 and 15, being the suggested years of this annual event, it proved to be 14 and much to Bobby's relief he got it right in the end!"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, makes her successful drive at the AM-AM golf match at Knighton Heath Golf Club.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the volunteers who made the match possible at Knighton Heath Golf Club.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the winning team led by financial advisor Tim Lewis at the AM-AM golf match at Knighton Heath Golf Club.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended the ‘Building Active Communities' Chaplaincy Presentation at the Civic Centre.

The presentation discussed the problems of children in the Poole community with parents serving in Iraq and how Poole Council, the Chaplaincy and other agencies can provide for their needs.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I really feel for kids who have a parent abroad in a war zone, as they never really know when or if they are coming home. With media reporting being so hands on these days there is no mystery as to exactly what is happening in our war zones and they must be very worried every time they hear there has been an incident as to whether this time it's their family member who is involved and if it is having to deal with the tragic aftermath. Providing a special support network is a prerequisite and I am delighted that this is being led by the BoP chaplaincy under the excellent auspices of our very own Chaplain Rev Jonathan Martin"

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, officially opened the ‘Sail By' public art at Harbour Reach in Hamworthy.

Built by Taylor Woodrow on the former Pilkington's Tile works in Hamworthy, Harbour Reach comprises 261 flats and 79 houses, 115 of which will be affordable homes to be managed by Raglan Housing Association. The site also provides nearly an acre of open space and play provision. Most of the new apartments will have stunning views over Poole Harbour, and the first phase of 65 apartments has already sold out. The new public art, contributed by the developers, reflects the harbour location with an image of waves and sailing boats passing by. Born in New Zealand, Hamish Horsely travelled extensively in SE Asia and India, settling for two years in a Tibetan monastery, before coming to England for a classical art education. He has since gained a reputation for works of public art which reflect the surroundings, complementing but not distracting from the environmental features.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I am delighted with the finished piece and amazed at how the ‘pure' medium used is so fluid in its effect. Hamish Horsely has captured perfectly the true ‘Essence of Poole' and all its ancient maritime history, by bringing us completely into the present with this innovative but classic piece. Communal Art is a brilliant way of joining communities together to share opinions and be free to speak openly about our growing collection of public art in Poole. I personally very much look forward to continuous partnership working, in bringing further successful projects such as ‘ Sailing By' to all our Poole residents. Bryant Homes are very responsible builders/developers, putting back into the communities they are building."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, cuts a ribbon to open the ‘Sail By' public art at Harbour Reach in Hamworthy.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with artist Hamish Horsely (rear centre), managers of Bryant Homes and local councilors Mike White and Roger Gregory.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, joined a 100^th birthday celebration for Mrs Mary Pugh at Melton Court Retirement Home in Poole.

Born in Worcester, Mary was a teacher when young but has since spent most of her life as a housewife, moving to Poole from Kidderminster about 3 years ago. With a son living in Sydney, Mary has over the last 30 years made a remarkable 20 trips to Australia, spending some five years of her life in the Antipodes. Mary also has a daughter living in Wareham and working as head of social services for Dorset County Council.

The Mayor was greeted on arrival by Mrs Elderfield, chair of the residents association, who had organised the celebration, and was delighted to present a bouquet of flowers to Mary, spending time chatting with Mary and her fellow residents before leaving for her next engagement.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Mary is a remarkable lady and more well travelled than most people I know. She has a great sense of adventure and humour and it was a delight to meet her and present her with a basket posy of gold, yellow and red roses and freesias. I am sure that our next Mayor will be visiting her next year for her 101^st."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Mrs Mary Pugh at Melton Court Retirement Home on her 100^th birthday.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended the ‘Dream Machines' bike night on Poole Quay.

Held every Tuesday evening during the summer season, up to 1000 motor cycle enthusiasts from all over Dorset gather on Poole Quay to admire each other's machines, talk about bikes and catch up with the latest news about bikes. Always an enjoyable evening (if not exactly quiet!!), the bikers pay an entrance fee, the surplus of which is contributed to charity. Each week a ‘bike of the night' is chosen, the winner receiving a cash prize and going on to participate in a ‘bike of the year' competition.

Having been a biker herself in the past, the Mayor was very keen to attend and was delighted when her chauffeur and macebearer Mike Weetman was able to arrange with his local club, the Christchurch Crusaders, to provide her with suitable transport in the form of a 750cc Kawasaki motor trike. Kitted out in pink and white leathers by Girls Bikes of Parkstone, the Mayor arrived in fine style escorted by two outriders and and a rearguard, to be met by Graham Richardson, head of Poole Tourism. After a briefing about what to look for, the Mayor carefully examined each of the 1000 or so bikes lined up along the Quay, selecting a short list of 4 exceptional machines and then choosing a winner from among them.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Wow what a blast and then some!!  You are sitting on the back of a motor trike, high up and able to see 360 degrees around you, you are travelling at what seems a huge speed and the wind is whistling past you, the roar of the huge 1500cc engines buzzing in your ears. I cannot compare it to anything other than the biggest wow factor I have ever experienced, I am an instant trike groupie and will be battling to have one in the near future, I will obviously have to wait until my leg is 100% better but then watch out here I come. Bikes were all brilliant but I couldn't resist the pink ‘Barbie' Davison (Harley Davison) it's just what I would like to ride."

A superb show of motor cycles lined up along Poole Quay for the ‘Dream Machines' bike night.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, arriving on Poole Quay on the back of a motor trike.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, on her latest ‘limo' parking up on Poole Quay for the ‘Dream Machines' bike night.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Poole Council's Head of Tourism Graham Richardson at the ‘Dream Machines' bike night.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, carefully checks all of the 1000 bikes on Poole Quay to find the best.

The winner - the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the pink ‘Barbie' Davison and its owner.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, officially launched the ‘Malayalee Pulse' magazine in her Parlour.

Serving a community of 162 people from South India living in Poole, Bournemouth, Boscombe and Christchurch, the magazine is titled ‘Malayalee Pulse' and managed by Mr Vinod Chakrapani, written by the people for the people and is partially in their own language of origin. Formed in 2002, the Dorset Malayalee Association (current President Mr Shalu Chacko) has grown from 5-6 families to its present membership of 60 families all originating from Kerala in South India. Its objectives are to assist members in integrating into British communities whilst preserving the distinctiveness of their own culture and traditions. Several gatherings are held each year to celebrate British and Indian festivals.

In launching the very first issue of the magazine, the Mayor paid tribute to the members of the production team who had contributed such huge efforts to make the launch possible, providing an essential channel of communication to help its readers overcome their unique challenges.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Projects such as this are so very special as the Malayalee Pulse magazine will be providing insight and support for the Malayalee community in Poole and the local area. Mr Chakrapani who is the driving force behind the community magazine is aiming to make it a national publication in the next few years. I know how hard everyone has worked to make this venture possible and it is only when we all work as a team that we are blessed in life and achieve our goals together. I am very proud to be part of this very special initiative and to share in the hopes and dreams of their future.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with the production team at the launch of the ‘Malayalee Pulse'