Possibly the Busiest Mayor in August!

August is usually a quieter month in the mayoral calendar, but this year it was a whirlwind of activity! I’ve even been told I might be the busiest Mayor ever in August. Here’s a look back at a limited snapshot of what I’ve been up to:

Saturday 9th August – Swan Upping

I had the honour of taking part in the annual Mayor’s Cruise of Survey – better known as Swan Upping. You may know that the King owns all unmarked swans in England and Wales, with one exception: the Mayors of Maidstone and Medway, who were granted this privilege in 1619 by King James I. Together with the Mayor of Medway, I counted the swans along the River Medway and continued the tradition of toasting each other at the old borough boundary stone. A big thank you to our hosts, Hampstead and Yalding Cruising Club.

Wednesday 13th August – Lullingstone Manor House:

A fascinating tour given by Tom Hart Dyke as he celebrated the 20th anniversary of the World Gardens.

Thursday 14th August – A Day of Reflection and Remembrance

• President’s Lunch at Mote Cricket Club, with High Sheriff Jonathan Neame.
• VJ Day Commemoration Service at Brenchley Gardens, an evening of remembrance with silence at 7pm, followed by moving music from Medway Concert Brass.

Friday 15th August – VJ 80

• Flag Raising Ceremony at County Hall
• Celebrations at Poplars Care Home, marking the day with residents and staff.

Tuesday 19th August – Citizens Advice Bureau

Pre-meeting with the CEO and Chair of the Trustee Board ahead of their upcoming AGM.

Wednesday 20th August – Audley Mote House

A warm welcome from residents as I gave a talk about the duties of a Mayor. 

Thursday 21st August – Open-Air Theatre

The Wind in the Willows, performed by Hazlitt Theatre’s summer tour. I was thrilled that this tour came to Headcorn this year, and it was a huge sell out success!

Friday 22nd August – Celebrations and Fireworks

• Venture Photography – marking the studio’s 3rd anniversary with staff and even a mini photoshoot.
• Swanley Town Council’s 1812 Night – an evening of music from the Eynsford Concert Band and fireworks in the park.

Sunday 24th August – Family Fun Day at Great Danes Mercure Hotel

Family Fun Day at Great Danes Mercure Hotel. Fundraising for the Medway African Caribbean Association – bringing communities of Maidstone, Medway and surrounding areas together. It was great to have MACA in my “back yard.” Great Danes has been part of my life since I was a child and it’s very local for me – I am a member of the Sports Club there! But it was great to have MACA there today and wonderful to meet so many super projects and businesses. You can see the picture of me holding a very large albino python, what a beautiful reptile.

  

Thursday 28th August – Triumph of Grace Ministries Youth Summer Event

The Grand Finale Awards Ceremony – a celebration of energy, talent, and community spirit.

Friday 29th August – Mayor of Dartford’s Charity Event

An outdoor bowls evening raising funds for RBLI, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Sea Cadets.

Saturday 30th August – Festivals and Models

• Faversham International Hop Festival. Faversham was buzzing, it was a great festival with much to eat and drink as well as various music acts and fringe activities.
• Southern Model Show at Headcorn Aerodrome – incredible displays of model cars, lorries, boats, planes, and trains.

Sunday 31st August – Annual Mayor’s Parade

An honour to present awards and promotions at the Army Youths Annual Mayor’s Parade at Boughton Monchelsea Recreation Ground.

 

With such a packed schedule, I was glad I managed to fit in a little holiday at the start of the month! I drove down to Biscarrosse, just south of Bordeaux, for a week of sunshine, great food and some rest & recuperation.

 

Looking Ahead – September

September brings an important focus on mental health.

• Baton of Hope – Coming to Maidstone on 22nd September. This national initiative raises awareness of suicide prevention. The baton will be carried by people affected or bereaved by suicide, including myself. I’ll be honoured to carry it from The Town Hall to Mote Park, where a day of activities will follow.
• The play “No One Here Is Me” by Sarah Winn, which is in support of the Baton of Hope, will be performed next Friday 12th September at both Canterbury Christchurch University and Mid Kent College Maidstone. This powerful play is about men’s mental health and addressing key aspects, it will make anybody that sees it come to some sort of realisation. It may create empathy, it may shock, hopefully it will create a reaction for positive benefits.
• I will be attending the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match at a dear friend’s farm in my own home village. I am especially proud that this event is happening locally during my mayoral year!

 

What a month August was! Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into their events, traditions, and celebrations. September promises to be just as meaningful.