The Mayor of Ampthill's Blog - 2005/6

Mark Smith

Ampthill's First Cyber Mayor

Other Blogs: Mark Smith - The X-Mayors Blog / Penny Foster - Current Mayor's Blog

The Aim of the Mayor's Blog: -

• To keep the people of Ampthill informed about what their Mayor is doing on their behalf!

• To demystify the role of Mayor!

• To encourage the residents of the town stand at the next election for the Town Council.

• To provide a personal insight. (Although my views in no way represent the collective views of Ampthill Town Council)

The Mayor's Year 2005/6 - A Summary

I think it goes without saying that I have been very honoured to be the Town Mayor for the past year. Personally, I think I have done a good job, as if nothing else I feel I have raised the profile of the role of the Mayor immeasurably through this blog.

Hopefully a legacy will be the Ampthill Good Neighbours Scheme I helped set up and the fact that amongst others I was instrumental in ensuring that Waitrose came to the town. Blame me if this doesn't prove to be good to the long term future of the town, as it was my signature that went on the legal documents that sold the town centre car parks that enabled the development to proceed!!

Personally, its been a difficult year with the sudden death of my Father, however I know it made him so proud to see me in this role. It's certainly led to me questioning my faith and perhaps to the fact that I've been a bit of a hypocrite over the past year attending particularly Civic Services, when I'm not sure I have any faith in religion. Again, I could also be regarded as a hypocrite at those same services singing 'God Save the Queen', when I fundamentally disagree with the role of the Monarchy in our present day society. However, I guess it just shows that I'm human and like the next person have my failings. It does not alter the fact that over the past year I feel I have served the town well & been a good ambassador for Ampthill.

There is a year to go before the next Town Council Elections and I know I keep harping on about the fact, but in my 9 years on the Town Council, I have never had to face an election! I personally find this unacceptable and I'm going to make it an avowed aim over the next 12 months (primarily through the medium of this website) to ensure we get more than 12 townspeople to stand next time. I'll be damned if APATHY prevails again, at least through a lack of effort on my part. So on that note I end my year as Mayor, although our new Mayor Penny Foster, is keeping up my tradition, as I host her blog for 2006/7 (click here to access it!) and I'm going to continue with my own blog in the shape of the 'Ex-Mayor's Blog'.

Wednesday, 17th May 2006 - Ampthill Town Council's Annual General Meeting - My Last Day as Mayor & the New Mayor Elected

Well today marked my last day as the Mayor of Ampthill. I can tell you at times it has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Anyway, before tonight's Annual General Meeting of the Town Council, I attended Dave Fuller's Funeral at Bedford Crematorium. Dave had sadly contracted Motor Neurone Disease in recent times and fought valiantly against this cruel affliction. My first real acquaintance with Dave and his wife Maggie came when they did an abseil down the side of Mander Colleges Tower in Bedford, in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust. That just showed what a kind and giving person Dave was!

It must therefore have been really gratifying for the family to find over 300 friends turning up to Dave's Funeral. It literally was standing room only for many!

I was glad I could attend to pay my respects. I think my abiding memory of Dave comes not from that abseil, but from his dancing on previous Festival Gala Day's in front of the Music Stage, as he displayed his pure enjoyment of life. A lesson to us all!

Anyway, tonight's meeting saw me chair the first few items and then it came to the election of the new Mayor for 2006/7. I proposed Penny Foster and she was duly elected by the meeting unopposed. I was then presented with a Certificate (left) and a Past Mayors Badge. The the vote was taken to elect the Vice Chairman and I proposed Margaret Wright and again she was she was duly elected by the meeting unopposed.

I wish them well for the future, I'm just humbled that I had my year as Mayor of Ampthill. I just hope that I was able to do some good for the town. This is something I will reflect on in the coming days as I gets some rest. as I recharge my batteries, as it's true to say I've been left feeling rather exhausted of late!

The good news in terms of a Mayor's Blog is that Penny wishes to continue with this new innovation for Ampthill, as she put it, she will be 'The New Kid on the Blog'.

Sunday, 14th May 2006 - Minor Counties Cricket - Bedfordshire vs. Lincolnshire (at Ampthill Town Cricket Club)

It was somehow fitting that my last official engagement as Mayor, should involve Ampthill Town Cricket Club, as of course brother Ian is so heavily involved in both the Town Cricket Club and Bedfordshire County Cricket Club. I was therefore very pleased to be invited to the Club's first ever hosting of a Minor Counties game, as Bedfordshire took on Lincolnshire in a one day game.

Anyway. I thank Beds County Cricket Club for wining & dining us. It was just a shame that the skies were so overcast & it was so cool. However, it was a fantastic match which I'm sure everyone that turned really enjoyed. I know I did & I'm not particularly a cricket fan. Let's hope that it won't be too long before Ampthill Town Cricket get to host another major game in the fantastic setting of Ampthill Park.

Saturday, 13th May 2006 - Ampthill & District Choral Society Concert

Tonight, I had the pleasure to go as Mayor to Ampthill & District Choral Society's Concert at St. Andrew's. I actually had little choice in the matter as my Mum is a member of the Society. My Mum has actually been a member for over 40 years & the Society will celebrate its 60th Anniversary next year.

Anyway, they presented a programme comprising Mozart's 'Laudate Dominum from Vesperae Solennes de Confessore' as a prelude to Haydn's 'Creation', with the help of 3 soloists, namely Helen Neeves, Mark Guerin & Edward Peters. It was a superb evenings entertainment by the Choir with particular praise going to their conductor of 10 years, Angela Doughty & their organist, Martin Hart. It was therefore a shame that only 49 people turned up, which to put it mildly is pathetic for a town the size of Ampthill.

Sunday, 7th May 2006 - Ampthill Civic Service

At 3pm this afternoon Ampthill's Annual Civic Service took place at St. Andrew's Church. I had chosen the theme of Volunteering, in large part because my ob revolves around this & I'm a volunteer!

My Mum was largely responsible for choosing the hymns, namely 'Praise My Soul, King of Heaven', 'Immortal, Invisible' & 'Who Would True Valour See', whilst I chose 'Jerusalem'.

My friend the Rev. Richard Winslade (from Maulden) delivered a very entertaining and thoughtful sermon on the subject of 'volunteering' and managed to mention that with my imminent departure as Mayor, I would have a lot of spare time to do more volunteering! In actual fact the truth is I need a good holiday to recharge my batteries! You know it's tiring being Mayor!! Anyway, only a week and a half & I will no longer be Mayor & I can have plenty of rest (not!!).

Saturday, 6th May 2006 - Ampthill Mayor's Charity Garage Sale

With my Dad's passing we have had a major clear out of household items and we decided as a family to have a Garage Sale in support of my Mayor's Charities. We held this in our garage and welcomed a small number of visitors & we were able to raise £80 on the day.

Sunday, 30th April 2006 - Charity Football Match - Arsenal Celebrity XI vs. Ampthill Old Boys XI

I was very pleased to support Neil Warren and his team of dedicated workers at Ampthill Town Football Club, as they staged a Charity Football Match, with an Arsenal Celebrity XI vs. Ampthill Old Boys XI. The event was extremely well supported with over 1000 paying to get in, with the money raised going to Ampthill Town Football Club, the Arsenal Celebrity XI 's Supported Charities and to my 2 Supported Charities (namely the Anthony Nolan Trust and Hospice at Home Volunteers).

Amongst the celebrities in the Arsenal side were Tommy Walsh (from 'Ground Force'), Ralf Little (from the 'Royale Family') & Tony Hadley (from 'Spandau Ballet'. The Ampthill players had been asked to raise a minimum of £75 to be considered for inclusion in their team.

It was a close fought game with Arsenal taking the lead in the 2nd half from a penalty, scored by Tommy Walsh (their goalkeeper!!). With Ampthill equalizing soon after. It remained 1 - 1, however the main thing was the enormous amount of money raised. Equally, I was pleased to attend and have my picture taken with the teams, draw the raffle and say a little over the P.A. about my two supported charities. Well done Ampthill F.C.

I am extremely grateful for this match as 20% of the profits from the day were donated to my Mayor's Charities, which amounted to the amazing sum of £850.

Saturday, 29th April 2006 - Mid Beds District Council Chairman's Charity Concert - The Treorchy Male Choir

Tonight I was lucky enough to attend the Mid Beds District Council Chairman's Charity Concert, featuring the renown Treorchy Male Choir, in aid of Cllr. Tony Duggan's supported Charity, namely Keech Cottage Hospice.

I was pleased that I was able to take my Mum along, as she has a deep love of choir music and her influence has certainly lead to my love of all types of music. I wonder if we could get the Treorchy Male Choir along to next years Ampthill Music Festival, when it returns after its year's break!

Sunday, 23rd April 2006 - Houghton Regis Civic Service

This afternoon I attended the Civic Service for Houghton Regis at All Saints Church. After the service I was chatting with their Mayor (Sharon Lagnado) and she said that she feels as though she is 'crawling' to the end of her year as Mayor. I think that sums out exactly how I feel, as I do feel somewhat 'burnt out' as I approach my last few weeks as Mayor of Ampthill.

Saturday, 22nd April 2006 - Leighton Linslade

Tonight I attended Leighton Linslade Town Mayor's End Of Year Show, that celebrates that communities wealth of local talent. It was an entertaining evening. Perhaps we should do the same in Ampthill.

I have tried to attend at least one of my fellow Mayor's functions and up to now (through diary clashes and my recent illness) I had been unable to get to Leighton Linslade, so I was pleased to make it tonight.

Thursday, 20th April 2006 - Launch of TeenScene

It gave me great pleasure that I attended the launch of the new 'TeenScene' Drop In at the Nottingham Rooms this afternoon. It is a testament to the work that a group of young people have put into this project that it has now become a reality, with Ampthill Town Council employing 2 youth workers to facilitate the project. Emma Sparrow (Mid Beds District Council Youth Participation Worker) & Jan Cooper ( Beds County Council Youth Worker) have also been instrumental in making this a reality and deserve the towns thanks.

I just hope that TeenScene flourishes!

Wednesday, 12th April 2006 - Ampthill Town Council Annual Town Meeting

Tonight, it was my duty as Town Mayor to chair the Ampthill Town Council Annual Town Meeting at the Nottingham Rooms from 7.30pm.

The meeting was attended by only 18 residents!

I firstly presented a report on the activities of the Town Council over the past year, which you can download by clicking here. Following this the audience were treated to reports from the District Council, the Police, the Greensands Trust (who manage the Park), the Wildlife Trust (who manage Coopers Hill/The Firs) & the 'No Cold Calling Zone' Team.

Following the presentation the audience were invited to ask questions. These revolved around the following:

• What will happen to Mid Beds District Council's old offices after they move to Chicksands in June?

• The upkeep of the path between Saunders Piece and the Ailesbury Road Estate.

• The upkeep of the Town Square

• The Distribution of Around the Pump. The fact that some areas are not receiving it!

• The population explosion of rabbits and moles in the Park

• The 20mph speed limit in the town centre

• The effect of late licensing on the town

• The market stall on the town square. Could this be kept after Waitrose is built and could more stalls be put on the square?

• Grass Cutting and cutting down too early of the daffodils

I do find it disappointing that so few people turned up. Is this a sign of deep contentment or deep apathy with what we are doing as a council. I somehow suspect the latter. Anyway, I did express my wish yet again that more people stand for the Town Council next May than 12 places have to be filled. Then at long last we would have an election! Let's face it with Apathy so rife, the worst & most despicable characters from history could stand in Ampthill and get themselves elected by default and without opposition. Wake Up, Ampthill!

Monday, 10th April 2006 - My Brother Receives Cricketing Award

I accompanied my brother, Ian & our Mum down to London this evening so he could receive award from the Cricket Conference (at the Cricketers Club) for all the hard work he has put into both Ampthill Town Cricket Club and Bedfordshire County Cricket Club.

The Citation on his award reads:

"Ian Smith. Smithy to all. has dedicated all of his spare time since 1982 to cricket in general and Ampthill Town CC in particular.

He quickly realized that to be involved in every game. and to enjoy the best seat in the house. he should become an Umpire. He became the 1 st XI umpire. qualified in 1986 at the age of 22. and has umpired ever since. The wise men at the club recognized a star when they saw one and Smithy became Treasurer in 1986 and continues today.

Not satisfied with that. he took over as groundsman in 1987 and is well qualified in this capacity. and can be seen in the early morning and late evening tending his sward throughout the year. He became Vice-Chairman of the Club in 1996, and this fitted nicely around his roles as Monthly Newsletter Editor and delivery boy, Press Officer, Webmaster, Bar Steward, Fund Raising and Social Events Organizer. Tour Organizer each year since 1984 including tours to Barbados in 1996 and Tobago in 1999.

Nothing is too much for Smithy and without him, ATCC, known to many as "The Finest Club in the World", would struggle. With him, the Club has prospered both on the field at every level. and off the field with its active social side.

Smithy is the driving force that makes everything at ATCC happen and this award in recognition for his hard work and dedication to the Club. and the game, would be a fitting honour."

Ian is fully deserving of this award, as arguably Ampthill Town Cricket Club would not be the success story it is today!

Sunday, 9th April 2006 - Ampthill Town Mayor's Charity Lunch

It was fantastic to welcome 84 guests to my Mayor's Charity Sunday Lunch at the Masonic Rooms, Church Street. We had a beautiful Sunday lunch and in the process raised many hundreds of pounds for my two supported charities (namely the Anthony Nolan Trust and the local branch of the Hospice at Home Volunteers).

Needless to say I gave a little talk about the two charities and also recounted the story about my late Dad who had attended many of these meals both for the Town Council and St. Andrew's Church. He had long grumbled that, as tables were served table by table from the top table he always had to wait a long time. However, with my becoming Mayor he had hoped that this would change as he would be on the top table with me. Well just before Christmas we were indeed on the top table at the St. Andrew's Church Christmas meal & my Dad thought his luck had changed. Well unbeknownst to us the system had been changed and we ended up been served last. So as I said this lunchtime, I felt that Dad was looking down on us, smiling and saying that he should have been on that top table, as indeed we were served first today.

Thanks everyone for supporting my charity efforts.

Thursday, 6th April 2006 - Launch of the 'Ampthill Good Neighbours' Scheme

Today in my capacity as both Mayor and Chairman of Ampthill Good Neighbours Scheme, I took part in the launch of the Ampthill Good Neighbours Scheme. Volunteers from the scheme helped hand out leaflets at the weekly charter market, publicizing the telephone number people need to ring if they require help. That number is as follows:

078333 314 903

The Scheme can help if you need any of the following:

• Shopping / Running Errands      

• Doctor / Hospital / Clinic Appointments       

• Collecting Prescriptions      

• Outings      

• Longer Journeys    

• Small jobs (e.g.changing light bulbs)

• Moving furniture     

• Carrying out emergency minor repairs         

• Occasional light housework 

• Dog walking/other pet care (e.g. during holidays/illness)      

• Cooking/preparing emergency meals and snacks         

• Filling in forms (non legal) 

• Sitting with someone    

• Writing letters           

• Delivering a meal  

• Befriending regularly      

• Gardening

I'm so gratified that so many volunteers have come forward to be part of the important endeavour for the town. However, we are still looking for more volunteers and most importantly waiting for that first call for help!

We are also deeply indebted to David Maxwell of Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity for all the help he has given us in getting us to this point.

Sunday, 2nd April 2006 - County Council Civic Service

Today I attended the County Council's Civic Service at St. Paul's Church in Bedford. Unbelievably, it's the first time I've ever been to St. Paul's in all the time I've lived here.

Afterwards it was back to County Hall for a small reception for the dignitaries. It never ceases to amaze me how shoddy County Hall is from it's exterior to the interior. It perhaps says something about the authority!

Tuesday, 28th March 2006 - Town Clerk

It was with regret today that I learned that Town Clerk Neil Hitch will be leaving us to become Town Clerk at Petersfield, in Hampshire. I for one will be sorry to say goodbye to Neil, as he has worked tirelessly for the town and has brought much to the community. He has also been enormously helpful to me during my year as Mayor.

However, I should add that Neil will not be leaving us until June, so you will have some time in which to wish him well!

Monday, 27th March 2006 - First Waitrose Community Liaison Forum

Tonight saw the first meeting of the Waitrose Community Liaison Forum at the Town Council Offices.

Those attending included representatives from Waitrose, Wates (the Developers), the Town Council (yours truly!) & from surrounding roads (namely Bedford Street, Church Street, Brewery Lane, Woburn Street, The Maltings, Park Street & Swaffield Close)

Issues raised included:

• Communication - concern that communication had been poor from Waitrose and the developers up to now!

Around the Pump will be issued later this week with an A4 insert that will detail a development timeline, interim shopping measures, Waitrose Bus details and parking details. (This had largely been pulled together by Mark Smith & Donna Searle).

A notice board will be put up along Bedford Street with up to date information.

Up to date details will be supplied of developments to www.ampthill.org.uk & www.ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk, including PDF copies of the plans detailing the various stages. These will also be displayed in the town council offices

• Signage - concerns were expressed that signage was insufficient

AA type signs will shortly be erected around the town

Better signage will be evident on Farmers market days at the Church Street entrance, as people were turning in this last Saturday when there were no spaces in the Oxlet Car Park. It was suggested that a steward should also be sited here as well.

• Parking - Concern that parking was increasing in surrounding roads & might continue after the development is completed

More car parking spaces are due to be released and signs will indicate the available spaces in each of the car parks as they change over time.

The lay-bys along Woburn Street are now complete and workers from businesses in the town are being encouraged to park in these spaces, now that the 2 hour parking limit is in operation in the town centre car parks. Indeed Waitrose will begin to police this with initial gentle reminders to those that overstay their welcome.

The Chamber of Trade will also be asked to do an audit of all the spaces available behind their buildings so that they are utilized to their full extent

• Contractors Traffic - concern was expressed at the fact that Contractors lorries had been seen going through the town when they should arrive and exit via Bedford Street only

Wates took this very seriously and asked that if anyone does see this happen then it should be reported via 0800 0195164

•  Temporary Toilets

These will shortly open in the Oxlet Car Park, as the present ones close in Bedford Street. They will soon acquire appropriate signage and include a temporary disabled toilet.

• Other Miscellaneous Issues

The demolition of the old Zonita Cinema is currently behind schedule, but will be complete in 4 to 6 weeks

The trolleys used by Waitrose will be hi-tech in that the wheels will not work outside the confines of the car parks.

Next meeting 8th May 2006.

Sunday, 26th March 2006 - Bedfordshire on Sunday Article

I was somewhat amused to open up my copy of Bedfordshire on Sunday to find that my picture was plastered on Page 3! (see entry below on 3rd March).

The article related to the www.ampthilltoday.org website & the flak that both I & our MP (Nadine Dorries) are taking from members of the discussion forum. I guess that it comes with the territory! If you can't stand the heat keep out of the kitchen!

What the article omitted is that I'm a regular participant on those forums, as I try to give answers to the many questions posed! Indeed this website has hopefully informed the people of Ampthill for many years about the important issues of the day, so I welcome the arrival of Ampthill Today and its interactivity. Hopefully, our websites can be both complimentary and informative. Something, that may become more apparent as I eventually get round to redeveloping and revitalizing this website!

My only gripe about the article; my picture should have been larger than Nadine's! (Only kidding or is that my ego talking!!!)

Wednesday, 22nd March 2006 - Redborne Upper School Presents 'An Evening of Inspiration'

I was very pleased to attend tonight's performance of 'An Evening of Inspiration' (A demonstration of talent in gymnastics, dance, aerobics, skipping, basketball and Austin Powers!!). I was uncertain up to an hour before if I would be able to attend, as I'm still feeling somewhat under the weather. Anyway, I'm really pleased I made the effort as the performances were a credit to the school, the staff of the PE & Dance Departments and most of all the students. Thanks for a very enjoyable evening. It was made all the more poignant in that Liz Yelling (nee Talbot - a former Redborne School Student) won a Bronze Medal in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Marathon on Saturday. Could I have been watching a future medallist tonight; time will tell! www.redbornecommunitycollege.com

Monday, 20th March 2006 - Can this year get any worse?

I am beginning to seriously wonder if this year can get any worse. I've felt very under the weather this past weekend, with the 'sore throat from hell', which meant I was unable to represent the Town at Girl Guiding Bedfordshire's AGM on Saturday and Leighton Linslade's Civic Service on Sunday. Anyway, needless to say I visited the Doctors this morning only to find that a small rash I had developed on my torso was Shingles. I've actually had Shingles twice before (each time after I had my bone marrow transplants) & this occurs when you are run down & the chicken pox virus that remains dormant in nerve endings becomes active. It would seem that this is very mild strain & hopefully it's been caught early, but this is one thing I could have done without!!

Wednesday, 15th March 2006 - Ampthill Town Council Meeting with Waitrose

Tonight we received a presentation from Waitrose regarding the constriction of the store and the interim measures. I forcibly made the following points:

1) From the very outset of discussions with Waitrose, we had made the point that the whole town needed to be leafleted with details of the interim measures and a timeline of the Construction. So far only neighbours of the site had been contacted and invited to a meeting on the previous Wednesday at Parkside. I made the point that the scheme effects the whole of Ampthill & not just the neighbours to the site. Therefore their communication strategy had been poor up to now & they risked losing the good will of the people of Ampthill.

2) I had seen little evidence of a wide distribution of the leaflets detailing the twice weekly bus service to their store in Milton Keynes. I wondered if this was because they were setting the service up to fail, as they proposed to review its need after only 2 months!

3) It had been noted that Construction personal were parking in the town car parks, thus robbing shoppers of places. Waitrose were asked to ensure that this did not happen & to put up signs ensuring people only parked for a maximum of 2 hours (thus shifting parkers from businesses to the newly constructed lay-bys in Woburn Street.

Hopefully, our advice will be heeded as whilst the development is needed, the whole town needs to know what's going on (& not just from me!)

Sunday, 12th March 2006 - Flitwick Civic Service

I was pleased to represent Ampthill at neighbouring Flitwick's Civic Service, which was held at the Rufus Centre & not the Parish Church, in a break with tradition. Anyway it worked really well. It is good to see that Flitwick has as thriving a community spirit as Ampthill.

Wednesday, 8th March 2006 - Sandy Charity Chinese Meal

With all these dinners I should be putting on weight, but I'm not! Tonight's meal was for a very good cause, namely the local air ambulance.

Remember that my Charity Sunday lunch takes place on Sunday 9th April. You are all invited (Space permitting!). Tickets £12.50 from 404355.

Monday, 6th March 2006 - Ampthill Good Neighbours Open Evening

The Ampthill Good Neighbours Open Evening managed to recruit a further 6 volunteers tonight, which means that we are on course for the schemes launch in April.

If you wish to become a volunteer visit the Ampthill Good Neighbours page, to download a sign up form and to find out more about the scheme.

Sunday, 5th March 2006 - Ampthill & Flitwick Explorers Investiture Ceremony

I attended the Ampthill & Flitwick Explorers Investiture Ceremony at Ampthill Scout hut this afternoon. It was fantastic to see the girls and boys (from 14 to 18) celebrating their achievement. Apparently over 300 young people are involved in scouting between the two communities. Indeed demand is so great for places that they need more volunteer leaders, so if you're interested let me know & I will pass your details on!

Friday, 3rd March 2006 - Signing the Final Deeds for the Bedford Street Development

Today, as Mayor I was called upon to sign the various deeds in respect of the Bedford Street Development. I fervently hope that with this redevelopment, this will be the much needed shot in the arm that our little town needs to survive economically in the 21st Century. If we're wrong it will be my signature on those documents, so you'll know who to blame, if this doesn't prove to be the case!

Incidentally, following Wednesday's Open meeting, things are now a lot clearer with regards the various timings of the stages of the development, along with the interim measures in respect of the interim provision of grocery supplies. I have tried to draw this information together on a new Bedford Street Redevelopment Page.

Just to show I do have a sense of humour the doctored photo above was posted on the www.ampthilltoday.org.uk website!

Tuesday, 28th February 2006 - The Future of Ampthill Music Festival

I attended a meeting facilitated by Cllr Margaret Wilson with Alan Richardson (of Ampthill Music festival) and Gary Wood & Gary Summerfield (of Ampthill Festival) to discuss the future of Ampthill Music Festival, as Alan is stepping down from organising this renown event. Alan should be whole heartedly commended for his many years of service to the town in making the Music Festival so well loved locally, regionally & nationally. The members of Ampthill Festival are keen to ensure that the Music Festival continues and so initial discussions were carried out with the hope that the Music Festival will return in all its glory in June 2007

Friday, 24th February 2006 - Mayor's Wine Tasting

Tonight saw my 'Mayor's Wine tasting take place at Ampthill Cricket Club's Pavilion. I'm very grateful for all those that attended, including the Mayors of Flitwick, Dunstable, Leighton Linslade, Kempston and the Chairman of Mid Beds District Council & the Vice Chairman of South Beds District Council. We raised a considerable amount of money for my two supported charities (the Anthony Nolan Trust and Hospice at Home Volunteers).

I would particularly like to thank Sally and Bill Silcock for imparting their considerable knowledge of the 'the grape' to us all, plus Val  Thomas for the sumptuous buffet that followed and Mike Thomas & Ampthill Town Cricket Club for hosting the event.

This has been a particularly hard month for our family, with my Dad & Uncle's passing & my brother's road accident this past week (from which he was lucky to walk away unscathed), so tonight represented some much needed light relief for us all.

Wednesday, 22nd February 2006 - Budgens Closure & the Interim Measures!!

Both I and Ampthill Town Council are constantly working with the best interests of the residents of Ampthill at heart. With this in mind we have been in favour of the Bedford Street Development and voted accordingly earlier this year to sell the various parcels of land that enabled this development to go ahead. However, the Council had asked that residents were informed of interim measures in good time before the development began, as the building of Waitrose and the associated shop necessitated the demolition of Budgens. Indeed the planning permission granted by Mid Beds District Council says that Waitrose have to provide a ‘temporary store or alternative’. Well today we learn that Budgens will close for good on Saturday 25^th February at 5pm. So where is the ‘temporary store or alternative’?

Also neighbours of the site along Bedford Street have been invited to a Public Meeting on Wednesday 1^st March (7.30 – 9.00pm) at Parkside Hall, which aims to explain the Construction Timetable, to answer questions residents may have and to form a small Community Liaison Group (this group of local residents, businesses, Waitrose & Wates Construction [the builders] will supposedly aid the resolution of any issues arising from the construction).

The Town Council has been actively trying to resolve the issues of replacement provision during the build with the Chamber of Trade, Mid Beds District Council and Waitrose. These discussions are on going, so it seems premature to close Budgens. You may say why can’t the Town Council provide a community store, well the answer is that legally Town Council’s are barred from this course of action. So the question is what are the developers going to do for the elderly and vulnerable in the town?

Well at the meeting last week Ampthill Community Liaison Forum (made up of members of the Town Council, District and County Councillors) considered the issue and resolved that the following letter should be sent to the Chief Executive of Waitrose:

You can rest assured that Ampthill Town Council and I will continue to work towards a quick resolution of this disappointing state of affairs, in particular on behalf of the vulnerable and needy in the town. Needless to say if you feel strongly about the matter you can attend the meeting on 1^st March or write directly to Mr Esom.

PS. Ampthill Town Council, facilitated an emergency meeting this afternoon with the Chamber of Trade, Business Link & Mid Beds District Council and a solution to the loss of Budgens may have been found. More details will follow once the logistics have been sorted out!!

Friday, 10th February 2006 - My Dad's Funeral

A difficult day for Mum, Ian & I as we say our last goodbyes to a Husband and a Father.

This morning was beautiful & sunny, much like the day Dad passed away. We travelled to Bedford Crematorium and were greeted on our arrival by up to 100 friends and family, which I found very moving.

The service commenced at 11.30am, as Mum, Ian , Dad's Sister Pauline & I followed Dad's Coffin into the Church to strains of 'Jerusalem'. The Rev. Michael Trodden conducted the service, that commenced with the hymn 'The King of Love my Shepherd is', that was followed by a eulogy entitled 'Celebration of John's Life', conducted brilliantly by family friend Mike Thomas (Chairman of Ampthill Cricket Club), as he recounted the key landmarks in Dad's life with humour and due reverence. After the second hymn, 'He who would valiant be', I had agreed to deliver the poem 'I am not there'. I had not been sure whether I would feel up to delivering this with emotions naturally running high, however I somehow managed to summon up the strength for Dad. I prefaced the poem by highlighting 2 lines from the lyrics from Louis Armstrong's ' What a Wonderful World' (Dad's favourite Song, which was due to close the service), namely 'I see friends shakin' hands, saying "How Do You Do", They're really saying "I love you" and commented that we had been overwhelmed and gratified by the love and sympathy we'd received over the previous 2 weeks from friends neighbours and the community as a whole, I took the opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness. After delivering the poem, I noted that Dad was not gone as he still lived in Ian and I, and no doubt his traits would from time to time be seen in us in the future. Lastly I turned to Dad's Coffin, said "Goodbye Dad". Following the Commendation & Blessing we indeed filed out to 'What a Wonderful World' and greeted the mourners as they left.

We then returned to Ampthill Football Club for refreshments and to reminisce about Dad with around 40 of the mourners.

I don't know if there is such a thing as a perfect funeral, but I felt that Dad would have been really proud of the send off we gave him. This is very fitting for the Man that has had the greatest influence on my life.

You can download a PDF copy of my Dad's Funeral's Order of Service by clicking here. 

Tuesday, 31st January 2006 - A Big Thank You

On behalf of my Mum, Brother Ian & I, may I take this opportunity to thank you for your kind messages of sympathy, whether by card, emails or through posting your messages on the Ampthill Today Site's Message Board following my Dad's sudden death. We have really been touched and comforted, by you thoughts through these difficult days.

In my 43 years this is the closest I've been effected by bereavement and I'm finding it's the little things that upset you most. like yesterday setting the dinner table for one less place!

My Dad's Funeral will take place at Bedford Crematorium at 11.30am on Friday 10th February. Only Family flower with Donations to 'The Anthony Nolan Trust' c/o Neville's Funeral Service, The Old Church, Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Beds.

Saturday, 28th January 2006 - The Hardest Day of My Life

Today has undoubtedly been the hardest day of my life (and that includes that day in April 1991, when I was told that I has Leukaemia). I lost my Father, John, very suddenly this morning.

I've lived with my Mum, Dad & Brother for all of my 43+ years and we are or have been a very close knit family, so I was devastated to receive a mobile phone call saying that I needed to get home immediately, as my Mum had found my Dad collapsed by our backdoor. I rushed home to find the paramedics working on my Dad. They did so for what seemed like an eternity and asked us to follow the ambulance to Bedford Accident and Emergency. However, they had indicated that he was still flat lining, so I think we all knew then that Dad had gone. However, we went to A & E and were shown to the relatives room, where a doctor came to tell us that Dad had never regained consciousness despite their best efforts. I did go in with Mum to see Dad for one last time to say our last goodbyes and I'm glad we did because he looked so peaceful.

Then home where our neighbours, friends and relatives have been so good to us.

I have to say I just don't how to feel. I feel so numb. It was so sudden. No chance for last goodbyes!

Dad was a brilliant father. The best. I'm really going to miss him!

I hope that I made him proud by overcoming my serious illness and this year becoming Mayor of Ampthill. I owe him so much (as I do my Mum) for instilling the values in me, that make me the person I am today.

You will forgive me over the next few days if my mind is not really on the important business of been Mayor, as for example I had intended to represent the town at a major celebration of Katherine of Aragon's life at Peterborough Cathedral on Monday. I however feel at the moment there are more important things in life, like been with your family at this difficult time.

Thursday, 26th January 2006 - Holocaust Memorial Commemoration

I attended the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration at Luton Borough Council on behalf of the town. It was a very moving evening with images, readings and music to commemorate not only the 2nd World War Holocaust, but the further genocide in Rwanda, Cambodia & in the former Yugoslavia. It is without doubt important to mark Holocaust Day, as we seem to never learn. Indeed it should be marked more widely & I thank Luton for holding this timely event.

Wednesday, 18th January 2006 - The Uncertainty is Over! Waitrose is definitely coming to Ampthill

Well I can at long last reveal that Waitrose is coming to Ampthill, as at tonight's Full Council Meeting it was decided to sell various parcels of land that the town council owned to the developers, whilst various other land transfers were agreed that will enable the development to proceed. It has been arduous process, but we believe that we have struck the best deal for Ampthill. It is our hoped that this will lead to the regeneration of the Town Centre. I'm proud to have been Mayor, when this deal was struck, as I have been on Ampthill Town Council for over 8 years and during that time various schemes have come and gone, but now the reality is that at long last we will be getting a prestige supermarket we deserve. I have to say the process at times has been stressful, but now very worth the wait. So roll on October and the stores opening.

Needless to say Ampthill Town Council will be working with the developers to ensure that interim measures are sufficient and that the residents of Ampthill are kept informed about what is happening up to the October opening. This will avoid the rumours that have been flying around the town over the past few months, as our negotiations by necessity have had to take place behind closed doors. Anyway, lets look forward to a more bright future for the town!

Thursday, 12th January 2006 - Ampthill Good Neighbour Scheme - Open Evening

As I've said before one of the legacies I want to see from my year as Mayor is the creation of the Ampthill Good Neighbour Scheme. Therefore, an Open Evening at the offices of Ampthill Town Council had been widely advertised throughout the town for tonight, so that local residents could attend and learn more about the scheme and indeed sign up as a volunteer. Well I'm pleased to report that 22 residents turned up and I'm grateful that David Maxwell (Village Care Scheme Co-ordinator - Beds Rural Communities Charity) & David Morgan (Clifton Care Scheme) attended and gave us an insight into how a scheme would operate in Ampthill. The main result of the night was that a steering group has now been formed and will now drive this initiative forward.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact me on 402560 (home) or 841160 (work) or by email mark.a.smith@ampthill.org.uk. Basically you give as much or as little time to the scheme!

Saturday, 7th January 2006 - Jigsaw Club New Year Luncheon

As I keep saying one of the nice aspects pf being the Mayor is the good work you get to see been carried out by the many voluntary and community groups based in the town. One such group is the Jigsaw Club, that provides a club for people with learning & physical disabilities and their carers. I was therefore pleased to accept an invitation to their New Year's Luncheon at Millbrook Village Hall, where we had a late Christmas lunch & were entertained by the Risely Singers. I think it worthwhile to pay tribute to their volunteers and in particular Vicky McGrath & Phil Hines for all their hard work on behalf of the club.

Clubs & voluntary organisations are the very essence of what makes Ampthill a great place to live.

Christmas Day 2005 - Ampthill Mayor's Christmas Day Message

I thought the Queen always does a Christmas Day Message, so why not one from me this Christmas, so here goes!

Firstly, can I say what an honour it has been to be the Mayor of Ampthill over this past 7 months and especially over this Christmas period, as I get to see the good that goes on in the town and the Community Spirit that so many of us possess.

Secondly, it's the time of year when thoughts turn to what the New Year holds for us. Well it promises to be quite a momentous year for the town, as by this time next year the Bedford Street Development should be a reality. I'm glad that this will have become a reality during my tenure as Mayor, as surely this can be only good for the economic well being of our town, which up to now seems to have been in terminal decline. Lets hope it breathes new life into the town!

Thirdly, the long awaited Town Action Plan should become a reality, so that we can look to the future with real purpose. Again I'm really proud that this will be happening during my tenure. I'm particularly passionate about the setting up of the Good Neighbour Scheme as I know that we are a caring town and that what better way is there of showing our caring side than to volunteer for the scheme. So don't be shy, contact me and become a volunteer. This is particularly apt, as we come to the end of the Year of the Volunteer.

Fourthly, after my term as Mayor ends in May, their will be one year of the town council to run and I have to say that if you are tired of seeing the same old faces running the town then perhaps as a New Years resolution you should seriously think about standing for the Town Council in 2007. Indeed, I'm not sure that I will stand again, as I will have been on the Town Council for 10 years by that point and it will probably be time to let some of you have a go. So seriously think about the proposition and if you want to have a chat about what it all entails then contact me for a chat.

Lastly, Ampthill Festival has always been particularly close to my heart and I want to pay tribute to all those that bring you the Festival every June. They know who they are and I believe they embody all that is good in the Town and if we gave out New Years Honours it would be to this band of individuals that I would make the award.

So that's my one and only Christmas Day Message, so it just leaves me to wish you a happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Mark Smith

Your Mayor

Saturday, 24th December 2005 - Town Carol Service & Nine Lessons

I was honoured as Town Mayor to be asked to read one of the Nine Lessons at the 'Town Carol Service & Nine Lessons' at a packed St. Andrew's Parish Church tonight. I read the first lesson (Genesis 3: 8 - 16: 'God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head'). Needless to say I was a little nervous at the prospect, but I believe it went OK and I was pleased to bat first (so to speak) so I could enjoy the rest of the service. It has to be said this really set me up for Christmas! Also the Town Band & Church Choir once again excelled themselves.

Also seeing Alan Richardson conducting the choir reminded me of the debt of gratitude that Ampthill owes to him for his service not only to the Church, but to Ampthill Music Festival. So can I go on record, as thanking Alan, as last years Music Festival was his last!

Monday, 19th December 2005 - Carol's Around the Christmas Tree & the Ampthill Choral Society Christmas Concert

Tonight as Mayor I attended two events in the Town. Firstly at 6.30pm I attended the annual Carols Around the Christmas Tree event on the Town Square. About 150 local residents braved the cold night air to sing a selection of carols accompanied by the Town Band and St. Andrew's Church Choir. Both should be thanked for their contribution, as this provided a really good seasonal start to Christmas week. Mind you as soon as the festivities were over I had to shoot down to the Firs Lower School, as at 7.30pm I had been invited to attend Ampthill Choral Society's Annual Carol Concert. I have to add I was duty bound to attend, as my Mum is a member of the choir and I think that if I had said that I could not have attended then I don't think my life would have been worth living!! Anyway, I needn't have worried as it was an excellent concert with both the well known & obscure carols receiving an airing. If you have a good singing voice, why not consider joining them next year!!

Thursday, 15th December 2005 - Russell Lower School Christmas Celebration

I attended the Russell Lower School Christmas Celebration this evening and what a turnout of pupils and parents with over 200 in attendance at this outdoor event, with music supplied by Quintessential, as the throng sang a selection of carols whilst supping mulled wine. I'm always humbled that I was a pupil at the school over 35 years ago and I now find myself a Governor at the school and now the Town Mayor.

Tuesday, 13th December 2005 - Bedfordshire Fire Service Christmas Celebration

I represented the town at the Bedfordshire Fire Service Christmas Celebration at Woburn Parish Church. A mixture of carols and readings ensued. The service do a fantastic job for the community far beyond simply putting out fires with their outreach in the community, particularly amongst young people.

Tuesday, 6th December 2005 - Ampthill & District Lions Christmas Goodies for the Needy in our Community

Ampthill & District Lions do a fantastic job for our community as witnessed by my visit to them tonight as they packed bags of Christmas Goodies for those in need in our community at Ampthill Football Clubs Pavilion. It is also good to report that my taking part in their Moonraker Walk in October raised £338 for my Mayor's Charities and an equal amount for their supported charity (Leukaemia Care).

The Lions are looking for more volunteers and you can find out more at www.ampthilldistrictlions.org.uk.

Sunday, 4th December 2005 - Sandy Christmas Victorian Fayre & Lights Switch On

I was very pleased to attend the switch on of Sandy's Christmas Light & the accompanying Victorian Christmas Fayre. A lot of hard work had gone into the afternoons entertainment and the event was well attended by townsfolk and Mayors from around the County and further a field. I'm really getting to know some of the other Mayor's. Who know after I finish my stint perhaps an ex-mayors club will be formed!

Sunday, 27th November 2005 - Dunstable Civic Service

I attended the Dunstable Civic Service today. This was a little different to your usual civic service in that it was held at the Salvation Army Hall in Dunstable and was very hi-tech with for example hymn lyrics projected on to a screen via a PowerPoint presentation! Really quite a joyous occasion! 

Friday, 25th November 2005 - Bedfordshire Amateur Athletics Association AGM

I attended the AGM of Beds Amateur Athletics Association at the Star & Garter Pub in Silsoe this evening (www.bedfordshireaaa.org.uk). It is so good to see that athletics & road running is so healthy within the county, particularly with the 2012 London Olympics on the horizon.

Wednesday, 23rd November 2005 - Special Town Council Meeting

As Special Town Council Meeting was chaired by myself tonight to basically discuss the legalities of the Bedford Street Re-development. Following much discussion it was agreed subject to a number of conditions to agree to the necessary land transfer, which means that the arrival of Waitrose moves another important step closer.

However, I am to say the least somewhat disappointed that Waitrose will now not be providing a temporary store in the town, whilst the site is developed. The proposal is that a shuttle bus will be provided on two, as yet unspecified, days which will run free for town residents at regular times throughout the day to their store in Milton Keynes. Perhaps this is the opportunity for existing traders in the town to fill this gap (with expanded ranges of goods), after all the traders were arguably the most vocal in their support for the scheme. Come on traders help the Town out!

Also just to scotch any rumours to the contrary this months Farmers Market is not the last as it will continue on its existing site until at least the middle of 2006 and the same is true of the Charter market.

Sunday, 20th November 2005 - Christmas Light's Switch On

As Mayor I attended the annual Christmas Light's Switch on. It was so good to see that so many people attended on a bitterly cold day. I helped out on the Ampthill Festival Stall during the afternoon and looked on as one lucky child won the right to switch the lights on.

The Friends of Ampthill Lights should be commended on their hard work not only in fundraising, but in physically putting the lights up. The took over the Christmas Lights from the Chamber of Trade a few years back, however it is disappointing that traders in the town now contribute little to the Light's Fund, when they largely benefit from making the town so attractive at Christmas time!

Friday, 18th November 2005 - Mayor's General Knowledge Quiz

My love of quizzes is well known, whether Pop or General Knowledge quizzes. Well today I turn quiz master as I hosted the annual Ampthill Town Mayor's Quiz. The only difference been this year that I'm actually Mayor. Anyway, I was very grateful for the 14 teams that turned up and help me raise a further £150 towards the 2 charities I'm supporting this year. The winners were the Cavaliers, with Trevor's 45RPM's second.

Sunday, 13th November 2005 - Remembrance Sunday

I was very proud as Mayor to lead the Remembrance Sunday Parade to the Cenotaph at the end of the Alameda, where I laid a wreath on behalf of the Town Council and the people of the town in remembrance of all those that have died in war. It was good to see that so many attended the wreath laying, with approximately 15 wreaths laid on behalf of groups and organisations in the town. After the two minutes silence the parade marched back along the Alameda and through the centre of the town to St. Andrew's Church where I laid a second wreath at their war memorial.

I have to say I was very conscious of not tripping over or falling town the various steps as I laid the wreaths. My only slight problem was that my shoelaces became undone as we marched back along the Alameda and I could not do them up until after the wreath laying at the Church, so I had to be a little careful that I didn't trip myself up!

However, as I said I was deeply honoured to lead the town in its remembrance and I thought it was so encouraging that more people than ever attended the proceedings at the Cenotaph. Perhaps this arises from the uncertain times we live in, when we find ourselves on the frontline following the July terrorist outrages!

Saturday, 12th November 2005 - Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Donor Recruitment Clinic

Today I was involved in the second Bone Marrow Donor Recruitment Clinic at Ampthill Methodist Church. I was however extremely disappointed with the turnout, as 2 - 3 years ago we had recruited 33 people to the register, but this time we recruited only 10. Personally I, Russ Ashton, Dr. Peter Rowe and others had invested a lot of time in the event. Our publicity for the session had been particularly good this time round, as I had done interviews on Three Counties Radio and Chiltern Radio. Plus articles had appeared in the local press and on various local websites. I must however, console myself with the thought that one of those new potential donors could just be a match for someone seeking a bone marrow transplant at present. My hopes were that considerable more of you between 18 and 40 would have turned up between 11am and 2pm today. You may have missed your chance today, but hopefully the publicity we have put out will prick your conscience in the future, as it is likely a fresh Bone Marrow Recruitment Clinic will take place at the Rugby Club in March next year. To fund out more about becoming a Bone Marrow Donor click here.

Sunday, 6th November 2005 - Enid Smith's 75th Birthday Celebration Lunch

This morning in my capacity as Mayor, I was pleased to attend the presentation of the Ashley Watkins Trophy (from the Beds Playing Field Association) at Ampthill Rugby Club. The Club are deserving joint winners. It is so good that we also have Cricket and Football Clubs in the town that are as active in youth development as the Rugby Club.

At lunch time, complete with Mayoral Chain, I attended Enid Smith's 75th Birthday Celebration Lunch at the Cricket Club. Enid is of course my Mum & although not an official engagement, it is worth noting that instead of presents my Mum had asked that donations were made to the Mayor's Charities. Well the the incredible sum of £300 was raised. Furthermore, Mum had a really fantastic and memorable Sunday lunchtime.

Friday, 4th November 2005 - Ampthill Fireworks Display

This morning I travelled down to Luton to Three Counties Radio to prerecord an Interview with Ian Pierce for the 'Melting Pot' show on Sunday Morning. The subject was the upcoming Bone Marrow Donor Clinic on 12th November in Ampthill. I've been working hard over the past few weeks in trying to publicise the event, by getting posters around the town and sending out press releases.

Tonight, in my capacity as Mayor I attended the annual Ampthill & District Lion's Fireworks Display in Ampthill Park. An event that was attended by many thousands. My tasks involved lighting their enormous bonfire (complete with Guy, made by pupils of the Firs Lower School). Secondly, over the P.A. System I welcomed everyone to Ampthill Park & commended the Lions on the sterling work they do for the community. I additionally appealed for new volunteers, as they would dearly love some younger members. If you are interested go to their new website at www.ampthilldistrictlions.org.uk or email membership@ampthilldistrictlions.org.uk.

Wednesday, 2nd November 2005 - Ampthill Town Council's Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting

One aspect I haven't really reported on is the fact as Mayor, I have to chair the Full Council meeting every month (on the second Wednesday) and every other month the Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting (on the first Wednesday). The reason for reporting on this particular meeting is the fact that the issue of Waitrose was high on the agenda. The issue was the provision of a groceries outlet during the time that the store is constructed. The upshot is that Waitrose will not be opening a  temporary facility in Ampthill between February and October next year. Instead they propose to operate a free shuttle bus service between Ampthill & their store in Milton Keynes twice a week from 10am to 4pm. Residents can then either return with their shopping or have it delivered for free by the Waitrose Delivery Service. There is also consideration of having an internet ordering service based in the town. However, you would need to have a debit card. Both options seem to disenfranchise the elderly and the infirm and the council is concern that this is resolved in a satisfactory manner, as I believe that many that attended the consultation events had assumed that a temporary store was coming to the town to cover the period from Budgens demolition to Waitrose's opening. Perhaps this is the opportunity for the existing traders in the town to extend their ranges or even to open up a temporary store of their own, after all by enlarge the business sector was in favour of redevelopment and this disappointing turn of events can be to their advantage, whilst meeting the needs of the older residents in the town.

Saturday, 29th October 2005 - Farmers Market & Ampthill Festival's 'A Night at the Musicals'

In my capacity as Mayor, this morning I attended the Farmers Market to judge the best Halloween decorated stall. On a personal note I think Halloween or the Americanised version we now have in this country, is one 'new. tradition we could do without, as it's little more than glorified begging!!

On a lighter note, I attended Ampthill Festival's 'A Night at the Musical', that Bedford Marionettes had kindly agreed to put on as a fundraising event for the Festival. It provided an excellent nights entertainment. However, it had been a struggle to sell the tickets, although thankfully it made a small profit towards next years Festival. It is however disappointing that not more people in the community do not support such efforts, as I'm sure some still think that the Town Council provide the Festival each year. Well they do not and it's down to volunteers such as myself and a small, but growing band of others, that the Festival occurs each year. However, in view of my commitments as Mayor, I have stepped down as Vice-Chair of the Festival Committee, as there a too many calls on my time!

Friday, 28th October 2005 - Reception for the Chairman of Beds County Council

This evening I attended the reception for the Chairman of Beds County Council at the John O'Gaunt Golf Course (just outside Potton). Present were Mayors and dignitaries from across Bedfordshire and from surrounding counties.

One of the unexpected aspects of the evening was bumping into Simon Michael (the Chair) of the Road Victims Trust, which I have to confess I had never heard of before. Anyway, the Road Victims Trust, the nominated charity of the Chairman of Beds County Council and basically supports  those bereaved, or otherwise affected, by road death, or life-changing injuries, and who live in Bedfordshire or Luton. The charity is unique within the UK and it was interesting to learn that Simon actually lives in Ampthill. This is a very worthwhile cause and should you wish to volunteer for them or for that matter sponsor or make a donation to them, you can do so via their website at www.roadvictimstrust.org.uk.

Saturday, 22nd October 2005 - Ampthill Pie Festival (& the past week)

I attended the first ever Ampthill Pie Festival at the Queen's Head Public House today & what an enormous success it was! Landlord Paul Duckett & a group of his regulars had dreamt up the idea and entries exceeded all expectations with over 50 savoury and sweet entries submitted by residents of the town. I had been asked to be one of the judges. However, thankfully were were not asked to judge all the pies, as the many people attracted to the event were asked to give their judgement and so the 50 were whittled down to a final 15, which we judged. It was enormously difficult to arrive at winners, as the pies were of such a high standard.

This first ever Pie Festival drew large crowds, with the Redbornstoke Morris Men entertaining the crowds outside the pub. It was also nice to see that local celebrity Charlie Garth was in attendance. (Yes, I do know the true identity of Charlie & for a small donation to the Mayor's Charities I might divulge the identity!!). As I say the Pie Festival is a great achievement for Paul & the Queens Head & I was very honoured to be a small part of that success. I can see this really taking off in the coming years. Who knows this could very soon rival Woburn's Oyster Festival. After all, that arose from a pub promotion. I would hope that more pubs become involved next year.

During the past week I also very pleased to attend the annual Allotment Associations Prize Giving at the Wingfield Club (Monday, 17th October) & the Civic Service at Potton (Sunday, 16th October).

Thursday, 20th October 2005 - German Exchange Student visit to Ampthill Town Council

I was delighted to host a reception for a group of nearly 20 German Exchange Students an their two teachers at the offices of Ampthill Town Council this morning. The group were in Ampthill for a week and came from Günzburg in Bavaria. A town with a population of some 20,000 and situated near the source of the Danube and near to Munich. The exchange and visit to our offices had been organised via Redborne Upper School and in particular Nicola Crossley from the school. Indeed a party of school students had already visited their counterparts in Germany during July.

I gave the students a potted history of both Ampthill & the Town Council and then answered some of their questions. One of the things that came up was the possibility of twinning with Günzburg. What do you think about the idea? You can find out more about Günzburg by visiting their website at www.guenzburg.de.

Monday, 10th October 2005 - Ampthill Mayor's Charity Italian Meal

As part of my efforts to raise money for my Mayor's Charities, Donatellos Italian Restaurant very kindly opened up especially on a Monday Night to host a very special fundraising evening. A very big thank you to Michael and his team.

I was very pleased to welcome the Mayor's of Luton, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Kempston & Flitwick, plus the Chairman of Mid Beds District Council, to the meal which raised nearly £250 towards my appeal.

Saturday, 8th October 2005 - Ampthill Football Club's Presidents Evening in Celebration of Eric Turner's 50th Birthday

I was very honoured to be asked many months ago to attend this evening in celebration of Eric Turner's 50th Birthday, as I have known Eric all my life, whether behind the counter at the former Turner's Newsagent, or serving behind the bar at the Wingfield Club or as our very own reporter for Ampthill in the much missed Ampthill News/Beds Times. Tonight through the hard work of Neil Warren, Ampthill Football Club put on a fabulous evening of entertainment and celebration in honour of the commitment Eric has shown over 30 years to the club. The evening included a 3 course meal at Parkside Hall, with all of Eric's relatives in attendance to witness his big night. I was one of the speakers and at the end of the evening was really pleased to announce on behalf of the Football Club that the main stand is to be called 'The Eric Turner Stand'. This was a very fitting tribute, as I think it is fair to say that without Eric the Club would not be here today, as Eric has stood by and supported the club through the good and too frequent bad years. Eric is truly one of the unsung heroes of our community.

Saturday, 1st October 2005 - Ampthill & District Lions Club -'Moonraker Challenge' Night Walk

I took part in the Ampthill & District Lions Club -'Moonraker Challenge' Night Walk on 1st October, which involved a nightime sponsored walk of 5 miles, with half of the money raised going to Leukaemia Care & the other half split between my Mayor's Charities (namely the Anthony Nolan Trust & Hospice at Home Volunteers). I completed the course in 2 hours through the centre of Ampthill, up Gas Works Lane, past Houghton House, cross fields to emerge by the lay-by next to Insys Ltd and then across the road & fields to Ampthill House, through Ampthill Park and along Woburn Street to our start point of Parkside Hall. 28 teams took part and it is reckoned at this stage over £6000 has been raised for Leukaemia Care, plus of course all the other good causes, including my own Mayor's Charities. I believe our team of 7 will have  raised about £300 for my Mayor's Charities and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those that sponsored us. Indeed upon reading this you may still like to make a donation, if so please contact me at mark.a.smith@ampthill.org.uk.

The Ampthill & District Lions Club should be commended on staging this fantastic event. This is the second Moonraker walk and already the number of organisations taking part has doubled. If there was one disappointing aspect it was the lack of Ampthill Groups taking part. So Ampthill Groups get your act together next year as this is a fantastic fundraising opportunity for your group.

Ampthill Football Club should also be commended for the raising the largest amount on the night, at just over £700.

All in all a fantastic if tiring night!

Saturday, 24th September 2005 - The Opening of Ladybird Nursery's new Premises at Russell School

I was delighted to attend the opening Ladybird Nursery's new premises at Russell School, which had been opened earlier in the afternoon by our local MP Nadine Dorries. That left me to plant the ceremonial tree. That's a first for me! I think that Ladybird should be commended for all the hard work that they have put into effecting the move from the Methodist Church to Russell School. It has been a marathon task, but it is so good that it has now come to fruition.

On a lighter note the posters that had gone around town had me down as the 'Major' of Ampthill.

Tuesday, 20th September 2005 - Bedford Street Development gets approval from Mid Beds District Council

The planning committee of Mid Beds District Council gave unanimous approval to the Bedford Street Development (that includes the Waitrose Supermarket). Nobody spoke in opposition and no councillors voted against the scheme. It will now be up to Ampthill Town Council & the Developers to get together to sort out the legal side of the sale or lease of their car parks. If everything goes ahead smoothly we should have a new supermarket by October 2006. Rest assured one of the planning conditions was that temporary facilities must be put in place for shoppers once Budgens is demolished.

Friday, 16th September 2005 - More Representation Work!

Well since my last entry I've done a few more things to represent the town. On the morning of Saturday, 10th September, I attended the Charity Coffee Morning of the Mayor of Flitwick & on the afternoon of the day after I attended the Stotfold Civic Service. Plus tonight i have attended the Civic Service of the Mayor of Houghton Regis.

It's really good to represent the town on these occasions and all instances I am made to feel so welcome.

Tuesday, 6th September 2005 - Meeting with Andrea Hill (New Chief Executive of Beds County Council)

Today I attended a meeting that Flitwick Town Council had arranged with the new Chief Executive of Beds County Council Andrea Hill & representatives from surrounding parishes.

It was a useful meeting in that we were allowed to quiz her on issues that affected our towns and parishes. Andrea Hill was very upfront in her admission that the County Council had not been delivering a good enough service in the past and that this would change with the measures she was putting in place.

However, I was disturbed by her answer about the future of Community Liaison Forums (CLF's), as she stated that they are to be reviewed and their future could not be guaranteed. Both Ampthill and Flitwick's CLF's have now been operating with some success of the past few years as a means of engaging with local residents and as a small grant maker to local groups. She stated that if their partners (namely Mid Beds District Council) were unable continue their financial support then their future may be in jeopardy. Well their future may indeed be in jeopardy, as it is now well known that Mid Beds District Council's element of the Council Tax has been capped and as a result cut backs in many areas have been announced. For example all Grant Aid to voluntary and community groups has stopped and I suspect that both Ampthill & Flitwick CLF's will see an upsurge of groups seeking funding in the near future!

It concerns me that this seems to be the 'thin end of the wedge', with regards local government. No wonder there is so much apathy with regards local politics and local government. From my point of view the sooner we get a unitary authority in Bedfordshire the better, as we've had a failing County Council for too long and now a District Council that is constantly cutting back on its services. Indeed following the capping by Central Government we have had the cessation of Grant Aid Funding to local groups, plus proposals to cut personnel, cease tourism services (just as Center Parcs & the NIRAH aquatic centre are about to become realities!), the reduction of the dog warden service, the introduction of charges for some services (i.e. pest control), a reduction in the council's input into special projects (i.e. town centre enhancement) and a refocusing of their role in economic, sports and arts development). This in addition to the recent introduction of the bi-weekly collection of refuse and recyclables & the building of the new District Council's offices in Chicksands. You may ask what do we get for the Council Tax we pay? The answer less and less!

I personally have little sympathy for the plight the District Council now finds its self in, as it's of its own making, as in previous years it has chosen to levy a lower than average council tax, arguably for political reasons. Now this year when it puts in for a higher increase to make up for lost ground it gets capped. Indeed, the District Council was warned that it was going to get capped and chose to ignore this, with the result that its local residents that suffer. So in my view the sooner a unitary authority becomes a reality the better for the people of this town.

Wednesday, 24th August 2005 - Ampthill Town Council votes in favour of Waitrose & Center Parcs

At what was probably one of the more important planning meetings of Ampthill Town Council, the councillors voted in favour of the proposed Waitrose Supermarket and Center Parcs (7 in favour with 2 abstentions). If truth be told I had been unsure about the result with regards the Bedford Street Development, but I'm very pleased that we came to what I believe is the right decision for the town. I believe we live in exciting times for both our town & our county, with both Center Parcs & the NIRAH Aquatic Centre coming to the area, Ampthill can benefit both economically and in terms of tourism. With my website I've long tried to promote the town and I feel optimistic that our town can reverse the decline of recent decades. It's just a pity that our District Council has shown such little faith in leaving the town, as it's obviously the place to be! Indeed, I would appeal to any retailers looking to relocate to consider Ampthill, as it will have so much to offer your business in the near future.

Finally, the thing I have found most encouraging has been the the number of letters and emails I've received over the past few months over both developments. Please continue with your communications, as both I and the Town Council value your views on any subject, as we do (believe it or not) want to best represent your views. Furthermore, it was nice to have 40+ of you at tonight's meeting. Please remember that you are welcome at any of our meetings and that at the moment we are looking to co-opt a new councillor. You have until the end of August to submit your details. So don't be shy, because as we have shown tonight we can make a difference and believe it or not it's rewarding, if sometimes frustrating, as I believe there was a perception that we were going to reject the proposal! Well that perception was emphatically wrong!

Postscript: The passing of the proposal is by no means the end of the process, as the application will now go to Mid Beds District Council, as they are the authority that grants the planning permission. So keep your views coming whether pro or anti to your District Councillors: gary.summerfield@midbeds.gov.uk, mark.cathrall@midbeds.gov.uk , richard.holden@midbeds.gov.uk. Then the proposal will come back to Ampthill Town Council, as they own the car parks on which parts of the developments will be built and so they will have to determine whether the land should be sold or leased to the developers. Obviously following the Town Council's planning permission this would look strange & bizarre if refused! Then if everything goes through work would begin in February with a likely completion date of October 2006.

Sunday, 21st August 2005 - Service of Thanksgiving & Commemoration to Mark the 60th Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in the Far East

I had the honour as Mayor of attending the 'Service of Thanksgiving & Commemoration to Mark the 60th Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in the Far East' which took place at St. Mary's Church in Luton this morning. I found it a very moving service in terms of the sacrifice so many servicemen made in the last war, so that we live as we do today.

However, this got me thinking. I think we seem to squander the legacy we have been given, often through complete apathy. I still find it amazing that at the last set of elections for Town & Parish Council's in Mid Bedfordshire, in only 3 of 50+ parishes were there sufficient candidates to warrant elections. Indeed Ampthill was one of those places where insufficient candidates came forward. Is it therefore any wonder that you get councillors peddling their own agendas? It strikes me that our forefathers did not die for us be subsumed under a tide of apathy!

Indeed, I've now served as a Town Councillor for 8 years and this Wednesday we begin considering one of the most important developments in the towns recent history, namely the redevelopment of Bedford Street. Of course I cannot begin to guess what way the Town Council will decide, but I would suggest that we will be 'damned' whatever we do!

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those that have written letters or emails to me over the past few weeks expressing their views over the redevelopment proposals. However, should you disagree with our future decisions, whether you are pro or anti, remember we presently have one vacancy on the town council and that you equally have the opportunity to vote us out in under 2 years time. That is democracy for you! What our forefathers fought to preserve and apathy is now killing!

Wednesday, 10th August 2005 - Bedford Street Redevelopment Update

I thought that I would do a stock taking exercise on the state of play with regards the number of letters & emails I've received up to this point, either pledging support or voicing their opposition to the proposed development of Bedford Street. Well at this point in time I have received 45 communications & the current state of play is:

47 = For the Development  4 = Against the Development

It is not too late to register your views with me or Ampthill Town Council, as we value your views, as it will greatly inform the decision we have to make in the not too distant future!

(As an aside, I found it interesting that last Friday's 'Times & Citizen' newspaper had an article detailing the opposition to the supermarket, when this was based on one letter of opposition copied to them. The article made it sound as if there was huge opposition in the town. If so responses to me have not reflected that assertion!)

It might also interest you to know that the petition that Ampthill Chamber of Trade ran for 3 weeks in July had just over 1500 signatures in support of the development.

Furthermore, the Waitrose Consultation Event from 20th - 23rd July produced the following result with 560 responses over the 4 days: -

460 (82%) = For the Development,  89 (16%) = For the Development (with reservations), 11 (2%) = Against the Development

In addition, further evidence of community feeling come from the last years Town Plan Questionnaire, which asked the following question that now relates to the proposals for Bedford Street, namely: -

What additional or improved retail facilities would encourage you to shop more in Ampthill?

The answer was: Better supermarket 347; Larger supermarket 184; More diversity/choice 157; Specific food shops 124; Other shops (clothes, shoes DIY etc) 122; Better parking 99; Keep Ampthill as it is/no supermarket 21; Very large supermarket 19; Cheaper goods 9; Out of town supermarket 9; Longer hours/Sunday opening/Access 9; Other improvements 28: (Total 1155).

The questionnaire clearly indicated there was no appetite in the town for a Very Large Supermarket (as was the case for the previous application), but for a Better Larger Supermarket. I expect the question is, does the Waitrose Scheme fulfil that criteria?

Whatever the answer, when the Town Council does consider the Development, at least it will do so with a clearer indication of the overall feeling of the Town!

PS: Again, remember I still want your views on the development, whether Pro or Anti!

Wednesday, 3rd August 2005 - Planning Meeting

Initially, this was going to be the planning committee where we discussed the Waitrose & Center Parcs applications, however more time has been given & it has been decided Ampthill Town Council will consider both on Wednesday 24th August at a meeting dedicated to both. Undoubtedly many of you wish to attend the meeting, but be aware that because of fire regulations the council chamber can only accommodate 60 & that includes councillors. So be warned that you may not get in! Nearer the time I will let you know what the mood of the town is from the letters and emails I have been receiving. Remember it's not too late to contact me, as rest assured your communications are copied to all of the town councillors and I want your views whether pro or anti either application.

Thursday, 21st July 2005 - Waitrose Supermarket Exhibition

I attended the Waitrose Exhibition at Parkside Hall (the first of a three day exhibition to inform the people of Ampthill about the proposed Bedford Street re-development). I'm so glad that this has at long last happened, as from the outset of both this application and indeed the previous application I have stressed to the developers the need to consult early with the people of Ampthill! This avoids rumour and counter rumour and allows the facts to speak for themselves!

Wednesday, 20th July 2005 - Last Council Meeting before the Summer Recess

Today we had our last Full Council Meeting before the Summer Recess (as we supposedly have no Council meetings in August). Actually, this year it appears that we will be busy as councillors, as both the Waitrose & Center Parcs planning applications will have to be considered during this time.

It may surprise you, but Town & Parish Councillors receive no remuneration for their efforts and basically do this for the love of their community, at least I do. However, I expect both applications may be contentious in some peoples eyes, so I fully expect that we won't please everyone, but that's part of the territory. As far as I know the Council has an open mind on both applications, despite rumours to the contrary an that's how it should be!

Sunday, 17th July 2005 - Notoriety for my Mayor's Blog

Bedfordshire on Sunday were kind enough to publish a story about this 'Blog' on their inside pages of today's edition, quoting much of what I've stated at the top of the page. I'm grateful for the publicity that they have given to this page & I truly hope that if it does bring a greater audience to my blog, I really can demystify the role of Mayor in this town. It will be interesting to see if more Mayor's take up the challenge!

Saturday, 16th July 2005 - Ampthill Allotment Associations Summer Show

This afternoon I attended the Ampthill Allotments Associations Summer Show at the Nottingham Rooms to present the prize for the best produce. I am particularly grateful in that they raised £45 towards my two charities (Anthony Nolan Trust & Hospice at Home) from an auction of produce.

Friday, 15th July 2005 - Reception for the New Mayor of Kempston

I attended the Reception for the new Town Mayor of Kempston (Sue Oliver) tonight at Centenary Hall in Kempston. There were fellow members of the Chain Gang there. (The Chain Gang is the name for the other Mayors throughout the county and I have to say I hate the term, so this is the last time you will see it on this page). Anyway, it was a very pleasant evening. I particularly liked Sue's fundraising idea of a sponsored slim, as you get invited to a lot of meals and buffets and so this could prove quite a challenge. Perhaps all Mayor's should make the pledge to end their year in office lighter than they started!

Tuesday, 12th July 2005 - Funeral of Councillor John Wilson

I, like many other town folk, attended John Wilson's funeral at 1pm today at St. Andrew's Church. The church was packed with family, fellow councillors, former work colleagues and many town residents, who felt indebted to the man that had given so much to the town over the years.

The service was very poignant and included glowing tributes to John. As I've said before the Town will sorely miss him!

Saturday, 9th July 2005 - 'It's Waitrose'

Well I return from my holiday to find posters and banners up all over the town proclaiming that the new supermarket development is going to be Waitrose. It's actually a relief to fund that Waitrose have made the announcement, as up to now the town council has been bound by confidentiality. It is equally good to note that exhibitions will be held in a few weeks time. This is something that I have been pressing for over the past few months, as their has been too much rumour flying around the town, without the true facts. The exhibitions, like Center Parcs exhibitions, will hopefully answer many of the questions we all have!

Sunday, 3rd July 2005 - Sad News

Even Mayor's are allowed holiday's and today I leave for a weeks holiday in Holland & Belgium. However, just before I left I learnt the sad news that Councillor John Wilson had died at Bedford Hospital the day before. I was deeply saddened by the new, as John was a true gentleman. He was the unassuming unsung hero of the town, having done so many things for the town whether as a councillor or a citizen of the town. During my 8 years on the council he was so supportive & I for one will miss his friendship, support and wisdom.

Sunday, 26th June 2005 - Ampthill Festival Gala Day

This was probably the event I was most looking forward to doing as Mayor, namely Ampthill Festival Gala Day, as it has become so dear to me over the past few years through my involvement in planning the event. I don't know if I'm partly responsible, but I was instrumental in saving the Festival a few years back through lack of Volunteers. Anyway, this year we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary and what a year to be the Mayor. Anyway, I did feel a bit stitched up by my fellow committee members, as they had arranged for me head the Parade from Station Road to Ampthill Park in an open top convertible. Putting my initial embarrassment aside I actually enjoyed the journey and found myself soon at the main arena presenting the prizes to the best dressed parade group (Russell School) & individuals (The Fir's School's Dragon). It was then up to me to open the Festival. This was a little difficult using the cordless microphone, as the loudspeakers behind me were transmitting my words a second after I'd spoken them. Anyway, I got through it and managed to embarrass Doreen Stoddart (a committee member for all of those 25 years), by presenting a bouquet of Flowers. Afterwards I accompanied the Festival Queen & Princesses around the Festival Grounds & we adjudged the Silsoe Pre-School the Best Stall.

I reckon we had our biggest crowd ever at about 7000. Furthermore the weather was just right, as it was largely overcast but warm. I just take my hat off to my fellow committee members. However, if you are reading this please consider becoming a Festival Committee member, as the Town Council does not put this on, we do, a dedicated band of volunteers. I fear that I'm going to have to take more of a backseat role for next years festival, as my role as the Mayor is going to make it difficult. So go on contact me and volunteer! It's the best feeling in the world at the end of Gala Day.

Wednesday, 22nd June 2005 - Ampthill Music Festival - Celebrity Concert - John Suchet

It was pleasure to attend the Ampthill Music Festival Celebrity Concert starring John Suchet in an illustrated talk on the life of Beethoven. It's a testament to Alan Richardson that he puts this nationally renown music festival each year. The concert was excellent with John Suchet and his supporting quartet of musicians. I actually bought a set of his books, after the concert, for my Mum & he signed them, to "The Mayor's Mum"!!

Wednesday, 21st June 2005 - Bedfordshire Fire Service Awards Presentation

I attended the Bedfordshire Fire Service Awards Presentation at the Addison Centre in Kempston tonight. It was absolutely boiling in the Centre & I felt sorry for the Fire Men & Women in their uniforms. It was brilliant to see their service and valour rewarded.

It was equally good to network with the various Mayors (Luton, Sandy & Kempston etc) from across Bedfordshire at the event, as I love selling Ampthill to the wider world. Hence this website!

Thursday, 16th June 2005 - Meeting called by Concerned Local Council's over the Proposed Centre Parcs Development

I attended a meeting tonight at Eversholt village Hall that had been instigated by Steppingley Parish Council over their concerns about the Center Parcs Development in nearby Warren Wood. They had invited councillors from surrounding parishes and our new Mid Beds Conservative MP Nadine Dorries. Most of those at the meeting seemed to have some concerns, however I got the feeling that those that had instigated the meeting had expected our new MP to be anti the development. I personally may not agree with her politics, but to be fair to her, she stated that she had not had enough time to make an informed decision and so would thoroughly investigate the proposal before making a judgement. My perception is that she will be Pro the Development.

From my own point of view I'm Pro the Development. I think it could be beneficial to Ampthill and this has been my position from when I first heard of the development when an Anglia TV crew interviewed me on the Town Square and I stated that I felt it would be good to the local economy.

Needless to say my views are not help by every one and I have learnt of an Anti Warren Wood Centre Parcs Campaign and in the interests of fairness here is the link:

Go to www.gopetition.co.uk and search for 'Flitwick' & you will find the petition. The group opposes Center Parcs plans to destroy Warren Wood by turning the whole wood into Center Parcs 5th holiday village & making it exclusive instead of open to all. In addition they fear wildlife will suffer and their will be increased local traffic. They also fear overdevelopment of the site with a 750 villa village and a minimum 50% concrete/tarmac cover.

As I've said many times before on the pages, it frustrates me that local residents are so adept & motivated at been against so many things, whilst local groups struggle for volunteers and you can bet that when the next parish and town council elections come round not enough local people will put themselves forward to even have an election. Look at me I've never had to face an election!

Wednesday, 15th June 2005 - Redborne School Local Democracy Sessions

I took part in a local democracy session organised for students from Redborne Students in the Council Chamber of Mid Beds District Council. I attended as the Mayor Ampthill and let the 50 - 60 students know what a town mayor does. There was also a question and answer session that drew out some challenging questions. However, it was noticeable that the students acted for the large part responsibly, which is more than can be said sometimes for their actual representatives in that chamber! No wonder young people are disengaged from Politics!

Saturday, 4th June 2005 - Reception for the Army Benevolent Fund

I represented the town at this reception for the Army Benevolent Fund at a very fancy hall outside Renhold. This was a very posh affair complete with marching band. This is probably the first time I've felt completely out of place, as I did feel awkward. I hope it didn't come over. Perhaps it would help if I had a consort to accompany me to such functions, although I think this quite unlikely. Any offers!!

Wednesday, 1st June 2005 - Inauguration of the Mayor of Luton

As the Mayor you get lots of invites to functions for the mayors of other councils in Bedfordshire. This was my first one and I was very pleased to attend the ceremony that saw the inauguration of Luton's new Town Mayor Haji Abid as Mayor at the town hall. I have something in common with Cllr Abid as he is Luton’s youngest ever Mayor at 31, which makes me feel positively old!

Speaking at the event, he said:  “By electing me as the Mayor of Luton, you have placed on the shoulders of a relatively young man – well, 31 anyway - a great responsibility which I will endeavour to fulfil to the best of my ability.  This is an honour, particularly after my role as Deputy Mayor last year. 

Luton reflects a wonderful mix of cultures and religions – you saw it only a few days ago in our fabulous Carnival: this town certainly offers something for everyone. 

I want to support community cohesion and everyone who has been working so hard to achieve it".

These are certainly sentiments I endorse, as Ampthill offers something for everyone, although sometimes we don't see it. Plus from my perspective we some times lack community spirit, as the town is very good at coming together to fight against perceived threats (i.e. mobile phone aerials, development & supermarkets), but when it comes down to supporting local voluntary and community groups, this enthusiasm dissipates!

Saturday, 28th May 2005 - Ampthill & Dramatic Society

I was pleased to represent the town at the Ampthill & Dramatic Societies latest production of the comedy 'Murdered to Death'. As ever the Society are so professional and a real credit to the town. However, looking around I do not see to many local faces in the sizeable audience!!

Tuesday, 24th May 2005 - Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets AGM & Prize Giving

Again, it was wonderfully to attend the Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets AGM & Prize Giving at their base in Flitwick. It was so good to hear about the achievements of these 34 young people from the local area. So often all we hear about in the local press are the bad news stories concerning younger people. Here was a good news story, but where was the local press!!

Saturday, 21st May 2005 - Crowning of the Festival Queen / 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Ampthill & District Lions

I was very pleased that my first engagement as Mayor was this morning and entailed being on the judging panel for the Ampthill Festival Queen & Princesses. I have long been part of the Ampthill Festival Planning Committee and it was fitting that I was there to judge and present prizes. Richard Holden did his usual sterling job in interviewing the girls and it was ever a really difficult decision to decide on a winner. However, the biggest thanks should go to Doreen Stoddart for organising the event and for here 25 years service to Ampthill Festival.

My second engagement of the day was at Eversholt Village Hall, for the 25th Anniversary Lunch of the Ampthill & District Lions. I was very pleased to attend, as I knew of the good works that the Lions do in the community. This was a black tie affair, but despite such apparent formality I was made to feel extremely welcome. I would just like to thank them for easing me into my mayoral year. I have also pledged to help them later in the year, as they are planning another night time 5 miles sponsored walk in October around Ampthill Park in aid of Leukaemia Care. This is of course a cause close to my heart, having had leukaemia in the past.

Wednesday, 18th May 2005 - Election of Mayor

The Mayor of Ampthill is elected annually at the Full Council Meeting in May each year, to serve a one year term. For 2004/5 I had been the Vice-Chair of the Council and I felt that after 8 years as a Town Councillor, now was the time to put my name forward to be the next mayor.

It may interest you to know, but the Mayor is simply elected from the councillors present at the May meeting, so with one off sick and another on holiday, 10 councillors could vote for the next mayor and indeed there was a vote, as Cllr Richard Holden (the mayor 3 times before) was also nominated. So a secret ballot was held and we both received 5 votes each. Therefore, the outgoing Mayor Sue Whittaker had to give the casting vote and this was cast for me, for which I was very grateful.

I felt very humbled to be elected as one of the youngest Mayor of Ampthill at 42 & I intend to serve and represent the town to the best of my ability. I had to wear the Mayoral chain as I took over chairing this first meeting and I have to say it's very heavy and uncomfortable, so have some sympathy for me when you see me in the coming months wearing the chain!

NATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES