Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended the 14^th annual Festival of Design and Innovation at Bournemouth University, Poole. She was met by the newly appointed Pro Vice- Chancellor Professor Nick Petford and Chancellor Paul Curran.

One of the visit's highlights was the appearance and lecture given by our own well-loved Jonny "Playaway" Ball, a Professor, engineer and inventor in his own right. The Mayor was greeted by Mr Ball and together they sang the theme tune, the Mayor suggesting that he give his presentation through the ‘round window'!!  Those of you who don't understand this speak to your parents!!

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I was privileged in being asked to view the many inventions designed by our local entrepreneurial young students. From a tent that puts itself up, handy for all budding boy scouts both young and old, to a temporary door lock, a portable device to be used whenever you require a little privacy! The standard of work and commitment is staggering, I was amazed at how many of these inventions are being snapped up commercially, http://www.dec.bournemouth.ac.uk/ a truly mind expanding experience".

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, presided over and presented an Insignia talk at the Civic Centre regarding the history of the Mayoralty. She was supported by her mace bearer and chauffeur Mr David Knight who described in perfect detail the Civic Regalia and our Chief Executive Mr John McBride who gave an excellent  ‘Striving for Excellence' corporate address.

The talk was attended by members of the Society of Poole Men at their request with their guest from Salisbury Civic Society,. This is a very popular event in which the Mayor describes the history of the Mayoralty, chains, badges and other items of regalia (see the Mayor's web pages on www.boroughofpoole.com/mayor for further information).

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "The first Poole Council and the Mayoralty was created in 1248 by the Longspee Charter. 758 years later, I am proud to be part of that continuing tradition. I always love to share our heritage, and I'm greatly honoured that so many people want to know about the ancient history of our Council and our beautiful town."

The Mayor leaving the Council Chamber after the Insignia Talk

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, attended a Showcase of Independent Travel Training organised by Bournemouth and Poole College.

The Mayor gave a poignant presentation regarding her own sons and the challenges she faces as a mother regarding the courage required to ‘let go' enabling them to complete this excellent training scheme.   She presented the award winning certificates at the Study Gallery to Schools and Colleges who have undertaken to provide ‘travel training' within their curriculum and also to the individual achievers  to  mark their completion/working towards their independent travel training certificate.

The training helps people with learning difficulties to use public transport. Several of the award winners talked about their experiences, and a most amusing role-play by tutors demonstrated the type of behaviour the training corrects.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I have two amazing sons both with learning difficulties, and when I asked both of them if I could borrow one of their bus passes for the day, they both flatly refused to be parted from their coveted passes, as they needed them - despite much pleading I failed dismally to extricate the said passes from them and I had to borrow one from the organisers to use in my presentation! This training, with the assistance available nowadays, gives people much more freedom to run their own lives than ever before, my deepest thanks to all the many partners involved."

The Mayor with Independent Travel Award winners

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with Poole Council Chief Executive John McBride, presented certificates to about 30 members of Poole Council staff at the Civic Centre.

The Mayor, supported by Councillors, Council officers and staff, congratulated and awarded certificates of achievement to members of staff who had gained professional qualifications.

Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "I can't remember when I was last in a room with so many ‘ologies'!  This is further proof that when we at Poole Council do something, we do it extremely well. I take my hat off to all those who have achieved or are working towards their own ‘ologies' within the Council, their accomplishments only enhance the already excellent services that our BOP staff offer our residents".

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt entertained in her Parlour Mr Scott Murray a Ferndown police officer in celebration of 50 twinning with the town of Corner- Brook in Newfoundland. Scott a cycling coach is taking 130 cyclists to Corner Brook to take part in various International cycling events. Scott is a very fit and keen cyclist and welcomed the opportunity to meet our new Mayor a fellow modest cyclist and receive a Poole Dolphin and letter of congratulations to be given to the Mayor of Corner - Brook in Newfoundland.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt said " It was a pleasure to meet Scott and discuss a few tactics for the Tour de France and hear about his tremendous achievement in managing so many cyclists across the water. It was also heartening to see how well we work with our police partners in the community in encouraging our Poole communities to take up this cycling challenge. I have been promised a Newfoundland thimble for my thimble collection, but I am not entirely certain that they will have such an item, but Scott will be hunting high and low I hope!!"

The Mayor with cyclist Scott Murray before leaving for Newfoundland