This is our 6th installment about what our Stone Town Mayor has been up to from February to March, Over to you Jill…….
Friday 7th February
Cliff and I attended Stafford Mayor Angela Loughran Caledonian evening at The White Eagle Club in Stafford, it was an evening of great entertainment and great company. We had a lovely meal catered for us by Cllr Frank James of Lamb Casserole, my thanks go to him and his daughter. The Stafford Caledonian dancers gave a performance and showed us all how to dance Caledonian style; we then all got up and danced the night away.
Saturday 8th February Stone Lions celebrated their 35th Anniversary, Cliff and I were honoured to be asked to attend, it was held at Yarnfield park. Lots of Lions members attended from all over the county and it was a lovely evening, after all the speeches were said District Governor Dave Hadley presented President Glynis of Stone Lions an award for outstanding duties, I would like to congratulate Glynis on her award as it is truly deserved.
Friday 14th February British Legion women’s group held a country evening at Walton community centre, it was a wonderful evening we were entertained by In Karhoots and Pete Cash. It was an evening of foot tapping and clapping. My thanks go to Ann for the kind hospitality she gave to us all evening, and thank you to all the ladies that provided a lovely Buffett and helped in the organisation of the evening.
Tuesday 18th February Staffordshire Fire Service asked if I would attend their HQ as Peter Sutton was retiring after 42 years of service, it was an honour to attend and present him with a tankard from Stone Town Council. I wished him well for his well earned retirement.
Saturday 1st March Cliff and I held a charity stall at Stone farmers market, all the proceeds will go to my chosen charities, Stone people and visitors to Stone were very generous; we made £64 and had a great time.
Wednesday 5th March Jim & Lin Davies invited us to attend the RAF dinner which was held at Stone golf club, the evening was very enjoyable. Members attended from Stone and Stafford, Wing Commander Andy Males gave a very interesting speech informing us of the big changes at MOD Stafford e.g all the new building work that is taking place and how TSW are performing. Jim and Lin were brilliant hosts so my thanks go to them we had a lovely evening.
Saturday 8th March I was invited to the Women’s day lunch by the friends of Bagnacavallo at festa Della Donna Stone. The room was full of ladies and we celebrated together over a beautiful Italian lunch, my thanks go to Margaret and all the Stone Twinning committee.
Wednesday 12th March It was a privilege to attend Miss Ferguson’s 105th birthday celebrations at Little Stoke Cricket club Stone, a lot of special friends of Miss Ferguson attended to celebrate her wonderful celebration. I asked Miss Ferguson what her secret was to living a long life, she informed me “hard work and keeping busy”. I was asked to present her with a birthday card from the Queen and a beautiful ornament of a humming bird which was from all her friends. It was a great pleasure to meet her and I wish her good health in her coming years.
Friday 14th March I held a charity race night at Walton community centre as an event for my chosen charities. Well it was a great success we had 70 people that attended it was a great night of entertainment. The night would not have possible without Cllr Frank James, Mark Johnson, Christine, Claire, Jackie and not forgetting everyone that attended to support the evening;my thanks go to them all. We made just over £800. WOW!
Saturday 15th March Cliff and I were invited to attend Stone 2352 Air Training Corps Cadets annual dinner at The Stone House, the cadets looked very smart in their uniforms and lead us in. The event was well attended by the cadets and their families. The speeches from OC Staffordshire Wing Commander E Sharrard, Squadron Leader Steven Lewis and Flight Lieutenant Nicola Carder, all spoke very highly of all the cadets, these young people are very respectful, have confidence and train to a very high standard; in my speech I acknowledged how Stone Town Council are very proud of them, it was a privilege to be asked to present an award to the best newcomer to the group. My thanks go to the CIV committee for the invitation.
Monday 17th March We attended The Stone Pyramid Inspire Concert at Victoria Hall, 12 Schools attended these were: Alleynes Academy- All Saints CE First School- Christchurch CE VC First School-Christ Church Academy-Green Lea First School- Manor Hill First School-Oulton CEVC First School-Pirehill First School-Spring Field First School-St Michaels CE VC First School-Tittensor CE VC First School and Walton Priory Middle School. We were entertained by a wide variety of songs, music and drama, which included: Any Dream Will Do – Our House- Believe- Can You Hear My Voice, it was an amazing evening, what talent these young people have it was a truly inspiring. Holly Smith sang a beautiful solo from Evita, it is hard to believe the youngest children singing were only 6 years old. There was not a single seat spare in the theatre, they were well supported by their families. I was asked to go on stage to say a few words, I thanked all the children for their wonderful professional performance . We all must be very proud of our young people, they all were great ambassadors for Stone. My thanks go to Mary Gale and all the teachers for bringing this event to life, Cllr Philip Jones also supported the event by donating a grant from Staffordshire County Council.
Saturday 22nd March I attended the Stone Scout and Guide Band on their open day, it was great looking at their photographs and scrap books that go back to the start of the band which was 1986. We were treated to a performance by the band which was excellent, what talent these young people have. I got chance to get my hands on a Bugle, Bass & Snare Drum, Glockenspiel and even the Cymbals, I got a few notes out of them not sure though if they were the right ones though? I am sure the band will go from strength to strength with Kerry leading the way, I wish them all well and can not wait to see them performing in Stone again this year. A big thank you to Jack Taylor who was a great host.
WOW! Hasn’t our Town Mayor been busy these past months? A *HUGE* thank you to Jill who spends so much time on the Community of Stone. :)
