Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

In this section we will be publishing the text of some of the many speeches made by the Mayor during her year in office. Feel free to crib the jokes for your own speeches and please enjoy.

Comments about these or any item published in this blog will be very welcome.

Deputy Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt handed over her chains of office in May after a hectic and eventful year of official duties and fundraising activities.

When the collection tins finally stopped rattling and the grand total was tallied up, a whopping £65,100 was raised for her three chosen charities, breaking all previous records in Poole.

Judy has three children of her own, two with specific learning difficulties and therefore has a natural interest in promoting young people and disabled people, particularly with learning disabilities. This is reflected in her choice of three main charities:

• Poole Citizen's Advice Bureau
• Poole Forum ‑ a self‑advocacy group for people with learning difficulties
• Help and Care ‑ a local group providing respite and resources for carers

Judy is a great believer in self‑help and self‑advocacy, always believing its better to have a 'hand up' rather than a 'hand out'. Throughout her year of office she made it quite clear that she would expect all three charities to participate in running fundraising events and be very hands on in their own success, which they all took up enthusiastically.

Representatives from the charities gathered at Upton House to receive cheques.

Judy said: "It was an amazing year and the funds raised a record amount for Poole. My charity committee, ably led by my Chairman Mrs Jackie Maynard, were totally dedicated to my charities and supported me unconditionally throughout the year. Their commitment was astounding and the monies would never have been raised without them.

We were a great team and learnt a lot from each other. Sincere thanks goes to everyone who contributed to my charities, especially Borough of Poole staff who were extremely generous in organising charity fund raisers and attending many of the 36 fund raising events we organised."

Judy, together with her family, members of her charity committee and representatives from her three main charities, presenting the cheques raised as from her charity appeal fund during her term of office.

With the formalities over, Judy and her supporters raise a glass (or three!) to celebrate their success.

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!"