Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

At the first Mayor's Charity event of the year, a fab evening was had by all, with over eighty quizzers joining the fray. Hosted by a professional quizmaster, at stake was the Mayor of Poole's Annual Quiz Challenge Cup, with booby and spot prizes.

Mayor's charities Poole CAB and Poole Forum were out in force, and the eventual cup winners were Poole CAB who reinforced their reputation for answering all sorts of questions. The booby prize of ‘thick chocolate' was won by ‘Linda's Ladies'.

A £400 profit was made on the event, which brings the Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund up to a roaring start of £3500.

Organised by the Mayor of Poole's Charity Committee, the next big event will be a Tenpin Bowling Challenge on 12^th June at Bowlplex, Branksome. Details and tickets are available from the Mayor's Secretary Jo Clements on 633200 or email j.clements@poole.gov.uk.

The Mayor and Consort with the Mayor of Poole's Annual Quiz Challenge Cup

The winning team, led by Richard Bristow of Poole CAB

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, recently presented retiring teacher Keith Parsons with a long service award in the Mayor's Parlour. Keith is retiring in July and has been teaching French at Poole High School since 1967.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt said.  "I didn't like to admit to Keith that when he started teaching I was still in Primary school; he certainly didn't look as though he had been teaching for 39 years. What is it coming to when teachers start looking young? I wish Keith and his family a long and happy retirement and my grateful thanks on behalf of our communities for his amazing dedication and commitment over such a huge amount of time".

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended Merley First School to launch Poole's Walk to School Week, accompanied by Council officers, school head teacher Mrs Birley and ward councillor Leo Belcham.

Meeting parents in the pouring rain, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, joked "Welcome to swim to school week!" On a more serious note, she said "This is a brilliant cross-cutting initiative which brings improvements in health, traffic problems and education".

The Mayor talking to parents outside Merley First School

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, accompanied by Cllr Mrs Mary Hillman, opened the new Commercial Road office of Poole Forum Advocacy For You, a self-advocacy group of people with learning disabilities and one of the Mayor's selected charities for this year.

After opening the office, the Mayor presented Forum members with a huge celebratory bouquet of flowers, and spent time chatting with staff and Forum members.

Responding to a welcome by Forum Manager Bernie Bow, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I don't believe in wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I am determined to empower people to speak up for themselves ensuring that they have a true voice and a good listening ear".

The Mayor with Bernie Bow and Forum member Alison

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, with Poole Council's Head of Social Services Mr Charlie Sheldrick, Cllr Mrs Mary Hillman, Forum Manager Bernie Bow and Poole Forum member Alison

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, visited Gillingham for the town's Civic Day.

The afternoon included transport by traction engine, a visit to the museum of the historic town, and a display by the Pipes and Drums of the Wessex Highlanders.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, took the opportunity to mount the footplate of the Duke of York traction engine for the trip to the museum.

The Mayor of Poole on the footplate

The Mayor of Poole and Consort with the ‘Chain Gang'; Mayors and Consorts from around Dorset