Mayor’s Blog 156
30 July, Opening of Asker Meadows Nature Reserve
It was a warm summer evening when I was kindly invited by the organisers of the Askers Meadow Wildlife Reserve team to do an official ‘opening’. So much thought and work has gone into the creation of this.
There are explanatory and beautifully illustrated boards on what wildlife one might find placed around and along the area, with further information accessible via QR codes.
George Biles exhibition preview
This was so amazing – a massive collection of George Biles’ artwork and signs – a truly wonderful find and amazing display. What a treat! I have since been to all the venues displaying his work – a piece of important Bridport history and a privilege and pleasure to see.
I can’t show you all the art – I hope you’ve viewed it throughout August.
Our very own Paul Violet worked with him in his (Paul’s) youth! Wow!
I can’t make this blog short – here’s most of my intro speech – (guided by David Dixon).
“We think this is perhaps the first proper celebration of George Biles – a highly talented signwriter and pictorial painter who lived in Bridport throughout his life.
It is the culmination of 12 months work between the Town council, Jemma Thompson the project curator, and Palmers Brewery. The ‘George Biles Project’, as we call it, was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. So it is thanks to National Lottery players, that the Town Council has been able to support the following three actions:
Digitising the collection of George Biles artworks held by Palmers Brewery, Running workshops in signwriting for young people in Bridport (isn’t that brilliant?) and putting together the exhibitions of George Biles works across Bridport this summer.
It is clear that it has taken a good number of people, working together, to make this exhibition possible, and I’d like to acknowledge the gratitude of the Town Council to a number of key people, without whose help the whole project would have never come about. These are:
Ken Allen – Ken knew George and was quick to recognise that his work and his life story would one day be appreciated. It was Ken who has kindly loaned many of the artifacts that you will find in this exhibition. Thank you Ken.
Palmers Brewery who have been involved in the Lottery Funded project from the start and have helped bring the pub signs produced by George together – oh, and provided the refreshment for tonight’s preview. Extra thanks for that!
Daryl Chambers and his team for tireless help to put the exhibition up, here and at the Arts Centre.
Bridport Arts Centre/ Bridport Museum and the Lord Nelson pub for agreeing to provide space for the exhibits that we couldn’t get into this hall!
Linda Bullock and the British Legion Hall Committee for agreeing to host the month long exhibition here.
But above we must thank Jemma Thompson, who has worked with the Town Council over the last 12 months – researching, tracking down artefacts and curating this wonderful exhibition. Thank you so much, Jemma.
As you probably know, the George Biles exhibition will run from the 1st to the 29th August at a number of venues around town – here, Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Museum and the Lord Nelson. Please do encourage friends and visitors to come along and wonder at the level of artistry in George’s work and the link his work provides to what now feels like a lost time – when rural crafts, skilled hands and eyes were part of daily work life.
I think that covers all I have to say, but can we please show our appreciation in the usual way for all the effort and love put into this, before we continue to feast our eyes on this very special exhibition.”
Here I am, having made an introductory speech, hob-nobbing with the great and good. Thanks to Palmers who offered refreshments at the event….cheers!
Crowning the Carnival Princess at the Teddy-bears’ picnic
Another beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon when I had the pleasure of crowning this year’s Carnival Princess and her attendants.
The Millennium Green was buzzing with activity – children, teddies and all manner of other soft toys, not to forget the parents and friends too – enjoying their picnics and having lots of fun. Well done Carnival Committee for organising all this!
Lyme Regis Civic Day
We were pleased to be invited to join the Mayor of Lyme Regis for his Civic Day. He had a good plan for the day, and after meeting up in the ……….. hall and a welcoming coffee, we set off for our first exploration, which was fossil-polishing. We chose a cut ammonite and ‘polished’ it on what seemed to be wet sandpaper until it was absolutely smooth. When one’s fossil was deemed to be smooth enough, the experts put them in named bags and finished off the polishing. Later they returned the finished article to take home with us – it was fun and very generous of the Mayor. After the fossil-polishing we walked to the other end of the front to see the statue of Mary Anning – a splendid statue with so much local history.
The weather then turned on us as we walked, fighting the rain and wind, back to the sports hall for lunch and some welcome drying-off! Due to the weather we stayed put rather than go out on the Cob or to the Museum, but we were treated to some interesting talks.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable day – thanks to our hosts for their welcome and generosity.
Bridport Carnival
This was Bridport Carnival Day! We were spoilt! Collected from our home and driven by chauffeur (its owner) to the starting point in an amazing vintage car – built in 1927 if I remember rightly! It was comfy and made all the ‘right’ noises. It was exhausted by the time it got to West Allington, so our driver had to ‘get out and get under’ so to speak, and fixed it in no time. My goodness, that was a real treat and how it was stared at by people on the way!
We then rode – waving madly at the big crowds lining the streets of Allington, West St and South St – everyone cheering and happy to be there.
Bridport Pantomime Players
As ever – huge thanks to all the organisers of the Carnival and of course all the organisations who took part and made the Carnival the success it was.
Carnival Torchlight Procession
Well – was this the longest procession ever? Seemed like it! I love this event so much. That ‘river of fire’ that can be seen as we turn around for a few seconds and look back. I believe it took something like 45 minutes between the first torches arriving at West Bay and the last ones!
What a show – a huge bonfire to greet us, food and drink stalls to refresh us –
‘Static Flight’ rock band wowing the crowds with some heavy metal, and a majestic firework display to watch as well!
Honestly, who could ask for more from our wonderful Carnival Committee! Thank you all for organising this – and thanks to all who took part in any or all of it. Bridport at its very best!
Lots and lots of pics courtesy of Tim Russ – see if you can find yourself – go to his selection on www.flickr.com/photos/7656159@N08/albums/72177720319637888
Bridport Musical Theatre – Kinky Boots
Well, what a fabulous start to our August Bank Holiday weekend! It’s not often one can start a weekend on a Wednesday evening, but the generous invitation to this out-of-this-world performance set us right on our way.
The performance of Kinky Boots by our Bridport Musical Theatre at the Electric Palace was outstanding – everything about it was so professional, so well done, we could so easily have been in a West End theatre.
From the acting, singing dancing, comedy, stagecraft, scenery…….on and on I could go….it was amazing.
We always make sure we get to see their performances and this was spectacular. Well done all of you. I am not forgetting the work that goes on behind the scenes, and the generosity of time and effort everyone puts in for preparation and rehearsals. All fully appreciated.
I noted ALL the performances were sold out! That says something, doesn’t it?
There’s a photo somewhere of me with some of the performers…watch this space!
