Minutes:
Military Matters
The Mayor was looking forward to welcoming the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment home from Afghanistan when they march through Ipswich on their homecoming parade on Monday 5th November 2012 at 12.30pm.
On Friday 9th November, local schoolchildren will place poppy crosses on graves in the Fields of Honour at the Old Cemetery. The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor will be present for this service which starts at 10.30am.
On Sunday 11th November the Mayor hopes to see many of you at the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park. Again, the service gets under way at 10.30am.
The Mayor was privileged to welcome the Soldier Ride UK at Christchurch Park when they came to Ipswich recently, organised by the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association. A group of 30 amputee servicemen, women and veterans from the US and UK joined forces to conquer a 250-mile cycling trek to raise awareness of the challenges they face after injury.
The signing of the Military Covenant in Suffolk took place at Suffolk County Council’s offices in early October and Ipswich Borough Council was pleased to support this initiative.
Thank You
Ipswich has enjoyed a wonderful array of events this summer, including The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in Christchurch Park, the Olympic Torch, Ipswich Maritime, Larkin Gowen Half Marathon, and the Ipswich Skyride to name but a few. All these events have been supported by local volunteers, and Mayor and her Consort had the opportunity to meet some of them recently to thank them for their help and hard work. The Mayor was looking forward to meeting the Crucial Crew volunteers in November.
Ipswich’s History
As the mayoral year progresses, the Mayor was learning more and more about the history of Ipswich and the Civic Regalia, she was privileged to share this with young guests when they visited the Mayor’s Parlour. The Mayor also recently welcomed a group from the 44th Ipswich Brownies as well as the School Council from The Oaks School in Ipswich.
The launch of the Women’s History Trail took place recently at the Tourist Information Centre and the Mayor was very pleased to be invited to attend, and to learn more about the town.
Purple Flag Award
The Mayor and her consort recently took part in the launch of National Purple Flag Week. Purple Flag is an accreditation scheme administered by the Association of Town and City Centre Management. The accreditation recognises excellence in town and city centre management and has a focus on the night-time economy but also includes the day-time economy too. Purple Flag encompasses everything that goes into making a town centre thrive, from transport, shopping, safety, to public spaces and events. Ipswich has been awarded Purple Flag status – Well done Ipswich!
Farewell
It was sad to hear the news that Jack Chapman, former Chairman of The Ipswich Society passed away recently. The Mayor had the honour of presenting him with a special Mayor’s Award earlier this year for his dedication, commitment and contribution to the history and future of the Town. He will be sadly missed.
Panto!
This year’s Pantomime at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich is “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. The Mayor and her Consort had the opportunity to meet some of the cast recently. Christmas is some time away, but The Mayor can’t wait to see the show!
Forthcoming Charity events:
Cheese & Wine – Friday, 16th November, in the Town Hall / SOLD OUT!
Tour of Christchurch Mansion – Thursday evening, 13th December 2012