Richard Bailey

We really are now nearly at the end of our year, and tonight we were entertaining friends from our two charities to, as it was so beautifully put - "give us the money".

Caroline Allen, principal of Orchard Hill College, receiving her cheque.

Although I do not see raising money for charity as the main or even secondary role of the Mayor, it was nevertheless delightful to be able to give a cheque for over £8000 to each of my chosen charities for the year.

Now that I am returning in a big way to taming the garden it was also suggested that a sweepstake should be set up to guess how many kinds of vegetable I will suceed in growing in the current year Jan 2006 - Dec 2006. Entries £1 per guess with proceeds once again going to Sutton Carers and Orchard Hill College. Watch the website for further details.