Another busy month for Stone mayor Jill Piggott! Here’s her latest monthly blog post for A Little Bit of Stone…
Saturday 22nd June
We attended Lichfield Guildhall for the Mayors and High Sheriffs charity event. The Great Wyrley Community Band entertained us, it was an amazing evening. The band were excellent giving a great performance.
Sunday 23rd June
I was asked to start the 10k race at St Michael’s First School. When the runners started the weather was not too bad but the heavens soon opened (hard to remember rain given all the lovely weather we’ve been enjoying lately!). All the runners got wet through but all enjoyed themselves! The school held lots of different stalls in the classrooms and it was a lovely morning, I gave out the medals to the winners.
Monday 24th June
We attended the Ex Serviceman’s bowls evening at Stonefield Park. It was a lovely evening, there were no winners as the match ended in a draw. My thanks go to the bowls team and Stone councillors for a great evening. Everyone that attended really enjoyed the match.
Friday 28th June
Cliff and myself were asked to attend Manor Hill First School, where I was asked to open their eco-friendly pond. When we arrived we were greeted by the Eco Warriors team who took us over to the pond. A speech was given by the children about how they created the pond (very professionally given), I cut a red ribbon to open the pond and then we were escorted to the hall.
All the children were waiting for us and we sat in on their assembly, they all sang some lovely songs for us – it was a great honour. We were presented with flowers, which were beautiful. The children are a credit to the school and their parents, not forgetting all the teachers, especially Miss Barker and Mrs Gilman.
In the evening we attended the Midsummer’s Nights Dream at Stafford Castle, the rain came down heading towards Stafford then stopped and held off all evening. We had an amazing evening, the actors were great and gave a wonderful performance.
Sunday 30th June
Civic Sunday was very well attended by dignitaries and local organisations and the weather was good to us. The Worshipful Mayor of Stafford and myself laid two poppy wreaths at the cenotaph and we had a lovely service delivered by Rev Stone. Our thoughts go to Rev Cardinal and wish him a steady recovery. We then proceeded up the High Street to Market Square where I gave a speech and the Parade Marshall dismissed the parade. It was very nice to meet so many people and my thanks go to all that attended and all that helped, including the Parade Marshall, the Mace Bearers, Stone Scout and Guide Band and all of the office staff.
Monday 2nd July
We were invited to attend the MOD annual reception held at MOD Stafford we were shown around different exhibitions, including TSW where they refuel vehicles and helicopters. This may be done under war conditions. We also came in to close proximity to the large lorries and trucks and were given a show on how they repair these vehicles.
We were then entertained by the marching band, who are reserves in the army. It was a lovely evening and a great learning kerb. Our support to these brave men and women mean an awful lot to them and we must never forget.
Tuesday 3rd July
I had a working lunch hour today! I presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the Stone in Bloom shop window displays in Stone town centre. Eighteen shops took part, dressing their windows titled ‘Food For Thought’. Well done to all that took part and many thanks to Elaine and Martin Robinson and Cllr Rob Kenny.
Friday 5th July
We were invited by the Stone Twinning Committee to attend the farewell meal for the 12 students that had been here visiting Stone for the last two weeks from Bagnacavallo at The Mill.
It was a lovely evening. Talking to the students they told me that they all had enjoyed visiting Stone and had been attending school at Alleyne’s. They were taking a lot of knowledge back with them. My thanks go to the Twinning Committees of Stone and Bagnacavallo, not forgetting the hosts for the hard work they do for the students. Giving students life skills in all cultures has to be a good thing.
Saturday 6th July
We attended the Stone Choral Society summer concert at Priory Hall. Singing alongside the choir was the St Michael’s First School parent and children choir, as well as soprano soloist Ellie Moran. We were enterained by songs from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Les Miserables just to name a few. It was a great evening. There is so much talent in Stone and it comes from all ages.
Sunday 7th July
Attended the Plot meeting at The Barn up at the Common Plot. There is a lot of hard work that is done on the Plot which most of us don’t see but this is essential to keep the Plot in good order for all of us to enjoy. Our thanks go to all involved.
Walton Middle School held a fun Race For Life event, raising money for Cancer Research. I was asked to start the race, which I did with the school bell. The weather was lovely and everyone enjoyed the community event – over 140 people took part!
Friday 12th July
We were invited to attend HMS Collingwood in Fareham for their Ceremonial Divisions parade. This is a special occasion for the sailors, officers and their families and where they can celebrate the achievements of a number of individuals who have excelled over the last year. It was a truly amazing day and my thanks go to all at HMS Collingwood.
Some may ask why do we have a connection with HMS Collingwood as we are so far from the sea? Stone was originally linked with the Royal Navy through HMS St Vincent which was named after admiral of the fleet, Earl St Vincent. He was born John Jervis at Meaford Hall in 1749 and buried in the town’s St Michael’s Parish Church.
When HMS St Vincent was closed down in 1969 it was decided that HMS Collingwood, a large naval training establishment of 1,500 men and women based in Fareham, near Portsmouth, would take over this affiliation.
It was a great honour to be asked to join them on their special day. You may remember when they marched through Stone last year to exercise their freedom of the borough.
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