The Mayor of Ampthill's Blog - Penny Foster's Online Diary of her year as Mayor

Today it was my turn to hold a Civic Service. It was held at the Baptist Church and was attended by friends, family, Chain Gang, representatives from local organizations and our MP. It was a lovely service and the offering raised Ł280 for my charities.

This evening we attended the Chair of South Beds District Council charity ball. It was a fantastic evening – even though we didn’t win the raffle – much to Tony’s disappointment as it was an electric moped!!

This morning I attended “Around The World in a Saturday Morning” at The Firs school. This was organized by the Governors and included a French café, Noddy in Swiss and a trip on the Trans Siberian railway. It was very well done – a lot of hard work had been put in.

This morning a group of Councillors met our MP Nadine Dorries in Ampthill Park as part of her tour of Mid Beds. This was part of National Tourism week to promote the area – and we had a swing too.

Very busy day. Civic service at Arlesey at 11am and then off to Flitwick for their service at 3pm. Thank goodness Mum was on hand to cook the lunch.

Off to Sandy this evening for a charity Chinese meal (another few pounds gained in weight). It was a great evening with good food and company and raised over Ł1500 for David Gales charities

Today we were at Leighton Linslade for Mark Freeman's civic service, which was great - despite it being a damp, dreary day

Tonight Beds Rural Communities Charity organized an event at the Council Offices to explain what it involves to be a local councilor. Hopefully they found it informative and weren’t put off.

We enjoyed an evening with Steve Davis tonight at the Rufus Centre organized by Neil Warren on behalf of Ampthill Football Club. This popular event raised Ł1600 for my charities. Thanks to everyone who made it such a success – and Steve too.

This morning I visited Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice in Luton with Cllr. Richard Holden to present them with a donation for the Pasque charity from Ampthill Town Council. I had never been before and was given a guided tour – I was moved by the dedication of the staff and amazed at the facilities available. Before I went I thought it was going to be depressing and sad but was I wrong – from the moment you walk in the mood is very upbeat and warm and homely. I have not had to experience the loss of a child and cannot begin to understand how it feels but this is a place that helps the whole family to cope with such a loss. I would urge anyone to visit if they can and give generously as they rely on fundraising as their main source of Income.

Back on the Civic Service circuit. This time to Sandy for David Gales’ service which included some fantastic singing by a small group from Sandy Upper and prayers from the Lower school.

February 17th

Tonight we enjoyed a lovely meal to raise funds for Aragon Day. Over Ł600 was raised – special thanks to Irene and Penny Francis and their band of helpers for organising such a great night.

Attended an ‘Abba Evening’ at Houghton Regis. The music was provided by ‘Razz’ - a group of three ladies (not sure which one was Benny). I thoroughly enjoyed the evening – being an Abba fan I knew all the words and joined in – not sure it was supposed to be Karaoke but it helped raise funds for the Mayors charities.

This morning I headed up the A1 for a service in Peterborough Cathedral to commemorate Katherine of Aragon who is buried there. It was a lovely service and attended by members of our own Aragon Day group as well as Gary Wood playing a fanfare on his trumpet.

Despite living in Ampthill for over 40 years I have to admit I have never attended the Town carol Service of the Nine Lessons before. I had been asked to read the first lesson and it was a very enjoyable service – different from what I am used to (being a Baptist) being escorted to the pulpit to read did seem strange. It was very well attended with some people having to stand.

Today we should have attended a service of Lessons and Carols at St Pauls Church, Bedford but unfortunately at the last minute we were unable to attend. Having been to similar services there before and having talked to some who did attend I do have one gripe – Civic guests do not sit with their guests/partners/consorts. It should not be underestimated the amount of support we have from them (I could not carry out anywhere near the amount of engagements I do without Tony’s support – be it driving, escorting or babysitting) and I do feel this should be recognized in allowing them to process with us and sit next to us. I have not attended any other event where this has not been possible.

I attended the Sharman Law reception at their Ampthill offices this evening and it was good to be able to talk to local business people. Apparently the Mayor gets an invite every year – it had nothing to do with Tony working at the Bedford Office.

Tonight 12 members from the Town Council enjoyed a Christmas dinner at The Prince of Wales. This is an annual event that we treat ourselves to – and a time for us to let our hair down. It was also a time for us to have a rest as we had been dashing around Quasar shooting anything that moved in the afternoon for James birthday party.

Carol service today at Houghton Regis. Mum and I really enjoyed it with a school choir taking part too.

Today I was asked to present the prizes to two local winners of the Big Draw Competition organized by Bedfordshire Libraries. The winners – both called Peter – had done fantastic pictures.

I attended the Preservation Society Christmas Party this evening. Simon Houfe launched his book ‘Saving Houghton House’ and gave a short talk. Although I’m not a historian he is a very good speaker and kept my interest throughout.

Today we attended a Victorian Street Fair at Sandy. I really enjoy events we can attend as a family and this was extra special as we got to dress up. Don’t laugh at the dress – the phrase ‘does my bum look big in this come to mind’

I went to Maulden Scout Group this evening to talk about being Mayor – this was part of their Community badge. We played a Q & A game – bit like Runaround for those who are old enough to remember. They asked some really good questions and hopefully will all pass their badge with flying colours.

Mayor of Lutons charity Indian meal held at the Indian Ocean in Sundon Park. Fantastic meal – try it if you can – and got to talk to other Mayors and Leaders about the problems – and solutions – they encounter.

I left home at 6.30 am to attend a course in Coventry – on the new tax rules for the Construction Industry (yes I have got a proper job too) – sounds a bit dry but actually was very informative. Arrived early so had time for a Tesco breakfast, followed by coffee and pastries, a very nice lunch, tea and scones – anyone got the number of Weight watchers?

We attended ‘an evening at the races’ by invitation of the Mayor of Dunstable. This was a charity event and yet again (we went last year too) we had a fantastic time – although it was the last race before I managed to pick a winner.

Tonight we went to the Mayor of Houghton Regis Quiz Challenge series. We were teamed with Pat and Debbie (Leader of South Beds D C and his wife) the questions were ‘very hard’ but despite finishing bottom we made it through to the Final in March 2007. We had a great evening – I haven’t laughed so much for a long time.

Tonight we attended an Open Evening at Waitrose. Yes we did get to ride on the turntable, have a tour of the store and sample some delicious food from their party range.

I (and three other Town Councillors) attended a Joint Reception by Beds County Council and Mid Beds District Council at the new Offices at Chicksands. This was the first time I had visited and we were treated to a guided tour. I have to admit to having mixed feelings – too far out of town, very concrete and clinical but all services in one place.

I had been asked to light the bonfire at the Fireworks display so we all turned up and were met by the President Tony Wilson. He invited us as a family to go inside the enclosure and light the bonfire – this was definitely the highlight of my Mayoral term as far as my boys were concerned (although riding at the front of the Festival parade comes a close second). I’m sure everyone who attended enjoyed the fireworks as much as we did and I’d like to thank all the Lions for their hard work on putting on such a fantastic show which obviously involved much planning and organisation.

‘Spend an Evening at Sandy’. That was what the invitation from the Mayor David Gale said – so we did. What a great time we had – we heard the Roman Sandy Story and viewed their Roman Exhibition. I have to admit that I didn’t even know Sandy had Roman connections – it does and I can thoroughly recommend calling into their Town Council Offices and having a look.

I attended the presentation evening of the Ampthill Allotments Association. Each year the Council awards a trophy for the best kept plot – judging is very difficult as there are many well kept plots and a lot of hard work goes into them all.

Tonight was my turn to host a charity event, at Donatellos. 42 guests enjoyed a fantastic meal and we raised well over Ł200 for my charities Asthma UK, Sustrans and the purchase of some Oximeters for the paramedic fast response car.

We attended the Priory Church in Dunstable for their Civic Service – it amazes me how, although the theme of the service is the same, each Mayor and Church manages to make each one so different.

Tonight I ‘did’ the Moonraker Challenge organized by the Lions Club. This was a five mile walk around Ampthill Park in the dark – I was joined by Tony and our eldest son Andrew as they knew my map reading skills weren’t up to scratch. We made it back in just over two hours and hope to raise well over Ł200 – to be split between Leukaemia Care and my charities.

Another charity meal – nobody will be able to call me a lightweight mayor – this time a spicy Indian by invitation of the Mayor of Leighton Linslade.

Got my first mention in Beds on Sunday – in the same sentence as Bill Clinton!!!

I attended the launch of the Leonard Cheshire appeal to redevelop Agate House, this was a charity event held at Moore Place, Aspley Guise.

I attended the Stotfold Town Council Civic Service. This was a great service – very ecumenical they must have known they had a couple of Baptists there.

W Day – did my shopping plus a few treats. Didn’t manage to be first person in the store though!!!

I was invited by the manager, along with Duncan President of The Chamber of Trade, to a guided tour of Waitrose. We saw ‘behind the scenes’ and the store itself – you will not be disappointed it has been worth the wait!!

We attended the High Sheriffs Service for Judges at St Paul's Church, Bedford. A very formal occasion (I borrowed a hat) but very enjoyable too.

I attended The Firs School (in the pouring rain) to see the beginnings of their Wildlife Garden. This has been started by Waites (as part of their community project) and will include a pond, arbour and pathways.

Potton Town Councils Civic Service. A chance to meet the Mayor Councillor John Lewis. I will soon know the second verse of God Save The Queen by heart.

This evening I was invited to the Methodist Church to the Welcome Service for their new minister Rev Roger Greene. I had the task of welcoming him on ‘behalf of the town of Ampthill’ which I did. The Minister in charge of the area gave a funny but thought provoking talk on service.

Today I attended the University of Luton Degree ceremony. This was very enjoyable and was preceded by lunch in the Mayors Parlour at The Town Hall. Greg Dyke received an honorary degree and gave a very amusing – and anti-government – speech.

Today I attended the funeral of Lesley Cottier who was consort to her husband Phil when he was Mayor in 1991. Many people will also know her as a popular teacher at Redborne for 16 years. The Church was packed with friends, family, work colleagues and a large number of pupils. She will be greatly missed.

Back to Bedford again this morning to attend a ‘Celebration of Faith’ in Russell Park. This was an informal open-air event, which celebrated the multi-cultural faiths of Bedford. It was very hot but very enjoyable with contributions from the Quakers, Salvation Army, Sikh community, readings in Polish and from the Qu’ran, a Rabbi and the Vicar of St Paul's – who is the Mayors chaplain.

Another meal – this time as guests of Frank Branston at a Civic reception and lunch in the marquee at the River Festival. A very enjoyable time with a fantastic view of the River festival proceedings.

A quick dash back to Ampthill to attend the Allotment Associations Summer Show. The quality of the exhibits was fantastic (glad I didn’t have to judge them) – even more so considering the weather we have had recently. The produce was then auctioned off and the proceeds of Ł75 was kindly donated to my Charities.

We had a great time at a Charity Italian Evening organised by Cynthia Gresham Mayor of Dunstable. The food was wonderful (waistline definitely starting to expand) and we had a chance to visit their new heritage centre in Priory House – if you haven’t been it is well worth a visit.

What a fantastic day, the organisers had done a great job and everything appeared to run like clockwork. The entries in the procession were brilliant and made judging very hard. There was a good variety of stalls in the park which was rounded off by a small group watching David Beckham take us through to the quarterfinals.

I had a great time at the TA centre at Kempston where the Bedfordshire Army Cadets held an open evening. My eldest son accompanied me and came away with an application form to join up in September. All the cadets were very knowledgeable about the equipment they used and very enthusiastic. We were also treated to a tour of the indoor rifle range and a lovely selection of canapés rounded off the evening.

Saturday 17th June 2006 - Dunstable Mayor's Charity Strawberry Coffee Morning

Off to Dunstable for the Mayors charity strawberry coffee morning. I was invited to this event by the Mayor of Dunstable Cynthia Gresham - and enjoyed yet more strawberries. I didn't win anything in the raffle but the event did raise over Ł200 for Cynthia's nominated charity - Macmillan Nurses.

Friday 16th June 2006 - Flower Festival & Celebrations at Russell School for the Queens 80th birthday

In the morning I was asked to open the Flower Festival at the Baptist Church. This was a great pleasure as it is the Church that I regularly attend - so I was on home ground for my first 'speech' - which was definitely short not sure about sweet though.

The arrangements were of top quality and with chocolate cake and a lovely ploughman's as well make sure you don't miss it.

In the afternoon I attended the celebrations at Russell School for the Queens 80th birthday - they also had a special guest 'Prince Charles' who told the children he would pass on their birthday wishes to his mummy.

The school was decked out with lots of bunting, a large cake, several corgis and all the children were dressed in red, white and blue and all wore a crown they had made. They finished off with a street party style tea - served in Union flag party boxes - whilst listening to members of the Town Band.

A great afternoon.

I was invited to attend the 10th Birthday celebrations at Lavender Court. We all enjoyed a strawberry tea while a band played popular songs - their favourites were tunes from the 'war years' - it was a good job we lived with my Granny for over 15 years otherwise I might not have known all the words.

I was able to chat with some of the residents - one lady reminded me that not only did she remember me as a little girl but she remembered my Mum as well!!!

It was a very enjoyable afternoon and they presented me with a lovely bouquet as well.

Saturday 20th May 2006 - Ampthill Festival Queen Selection & Ampthill Festival Frog Race

I attended my first official engagement as one of the judges on the panel to choose this years Festival queen and princesses. There were 13 entrants - of all who deserved to win - as they were all very good.

In the evening we had a fantastic time at the Frog Race which was brilliantly organised by the Festival Committee, everyone enjoyed themselves and hopefully raised much needed funds for the Festival.

Looking forward to it but a bit daunted too. It was a privilege to present Mark with his past mayors certificate and to thank him for his sterling work over the last year. He has always remained cool, calm and collected at meetings and has shown a great deal of wisdom. It was also a pleasure to welcome Margaret Wright as Vice-chair of the Council and I look forward to working with her and the other councillors whose support and experience I will definitely need.