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The Diary of The Town Reeve
When I was installed as Town Reeve I thought it might be a good idea for people to know what a Town Reeve gets up to in their year of office, so here is the first of what I hope will be monthly articles of what I have been up to. It was a great honour for me to be installed as Town Reeve on December 7th, for those of you who don't know the new Reeve is chosen by the outgoing Reeve, in this case Diana Belcher, I would like to thank Diana very much for nominating me! My first official invitation was to the Choral Society's Christmas Concert on December 11th. This was a really enjoyable evening and it was good to see a packed church for the concert. It certainly got everyone in the festive spirit! On December 16th I attended the annual presentation at the High School. This was extra special this year as it marked the retirement of Ann Todd. Mrs Todd has been working at the school since the late 1960's. We are very lucky to have such a good school here in Bungay the opportunities for students these days have changed out of all recognition from when I was a student there in the early 1980's. The Town Trust sponsor a prize for Service to the Community. However, being a fanatical Norwich fan I think the highlight of my evening was seeing Joe Lewis (I then saw him again as reserve keeper for Norwich City on Boxing Day at Carrow Road!). On December 17th I went to the Beccles Civic Carol Service at St Benet's, a lot of the 'chain gang' asked where Diana was and I had to explain a number of times about our changeover dates! Another Carol Service on December 19th when I was invited to the service at Adele House, and yet another Carol Service on Tuesday 21st when I was asked to read at the Town Service at the Castle Visitor's Centre. It was a cold evening and the musicians under the leadership of Mrs Drew-Batty deserve special mention! The Town Trust own 13 Almshouses in Bungay - some in Staithe Close and the others in Outney Road. I had the privilege of visiting the occupants and taking them some gifts from the Trust for Christmas. This was a very enjoyable afternoon. On Christmas Day, along with the Mayor, we visited Adele House and All Hallows Hospital, what a lovely atmosphere there was under what were sometime difficult and upsetting circumstances. The staff at these establishments is amazing and it was a privilege to spend part of the day with them and the residents/patients. On Boxing Day I was asked to start the annual Groggy Doggy Race on the common. Nearly 150 people turned up to run (yes run a race) on Boxing Day. Well done to all those who took part and a special mention to the organisers and helpers. It made me think I ought to get into some training but then sanity returned and I went home to eat more chocolates! Well that was my December, meetings start early in January - more about those next time! May I wish you all a very happy and peaceful 2005. To find out more about this unique office see the article on The Town Reeve Diary for January February/March April May June www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk
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Stephen
Went - December 2004