23rd I am sure many of you will have remembered that today is St George’s Day. The flag was flying above the Civic Centre as I entered the building. A quick look at the weekend’s mail, four telephone calls and a dash up the stairs to replenish my letterhead stock before I drove to Scotby Village Parish Centre. There I met fellow Parish Councillors and members of the Parochial Church Council plus 4 candidates who were being interviewed for the vacancy of Vicar of the Parish Church. I turned the car round and headed back to the Civic in time to meet the Area Litter -picking Team outside the Old Town Hall. With “grabbers” and bags, plus Hi-Vis jackets we set off on our monthly round. First we headed up Castle Street, chatting to visitors en route, who were amazed that the Mayor and Mayoress actually picked up litter – ah well!! Then parallel with the Castle and along Town Dyke. Round the Station and back via English Street then Lowther Street, Chapel Street and back via the Civic Car Park. Four sacks of litter – not good. The message is not getting across. Any suggestions?? The centre of the City is looking great now that it has been deep cleaned. Rosemary Lane, a thorn in my flesh, is improving. New lighting, pavers cleaned and the painting of the walls has started.
24th A memorable day in more ways than one. The alarm clock was set for 5.45 a.m. and at 7 a.m. prompt we were on our way to Barrow as guests of the Mayor of Barrow ( Councillor John Murphy) on the occasion of a Civic Visit to the Borough. We arrived at the Town Hall, where greetings were exchanged, and a photo-call with The Evening Mail. At 9.30 a.m. we departed for the Lifeboat Station. This cost £2.8 million and the boat “Grace Little” was built in 2008. We learned there were 13 rescues last year. After chatting with the Chairman and sitting in the boat we left for Conishead Priory. Neither the Mayoress nor I had any idea that this was now a Buddist Temple and a Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre. This building is two miles south of Ulverston and is truly magnificent. It was certainly a unique experience for us as we were shown round and had to admire its artistic and architectural features and tranquil atmosphere. Our next place of interest was the newly erected Furness College where the catering students had prepared lunch for us. After an excellent meal the Principal showed us round the “State of the Art” building. For our final destination we required photo ID, Passports/ Driving Licences. This enabled us to enter the BAE Systems Offices where further security checks were made. After clearance the Site Manager showed us certain aspects of the plant. The weather had been simply perfect all day, sun and no wind – even the wind turbines were becalmed. However, on the return journey to Carlisle we encountered dark clouds , hail and heavy rain.
25th A few hours respite which enabled me to potter in the garden. After an early lunch we drove to the Civic Centre where we welcomed 60 pupils from Newlaithes School. Councillor William Whalen, a school governor, joined us as we toured the Civic Suite and answered questions. After an hour the children were given fruit juice and biscuits before returning to their school.
26th This morning was a “best kept secret” as my Mayoral Sergeant had served the City Council for 25 years. The Mayoress and I dashed to collect the cake we had ordered and a “Job well done” balloon. Furtively we crept up the back stairs and then entered the office of the Town Clerk and Chief Exucutive, Dr Jason Gooding, who presented the Certificate of 25 years service to Les. Then it was back to the day job! We were whisked away to the Cumberland Infirmary where I opened the new Limbcare Support Desk. This is a new facility being offered and another first for Carlisle. Returning home we ate a sandwich, had a cuppa and left at 1.35 p.m. dashed backl into town to the Official Opening of the new Carlisle College, Victoria Place by Sir George Sweeney. We were welcomed by David Carter, Chair of the Corporation Board and after a Video presentation and musical performance the College was officially opened. Later we toured the innovative building with the Principal, Moira Tattersall. At the moment 1,100 students are under tuition there.
27th Our 52nd Wedding Anniversary and where better to celebrate than the Mansion House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Lord Mayor was hosting a Charity “Sporting Lunch ” in aid of the NSPCC. My wife has served on the executive of the local NSPCC for over 35 years so it was tailor-made. On arrival at 1 p.m. we were introduced to Sir John Hall and other dignitaries. Presentations followed with luncheon being served at 1.30 p.m. The two courses were chicken, green beans and fondant potatoes and a cheesecake dessert . As we were drinking coffee David Ginola and Tino Asprilla entered the dining room. The journey home was extremely scenic as the views were so clear. After a brief respite we then officiated at the Ceremonial Start of the Pirelli International Rally outside the Tourist Information Centre in the City Centre. Fortunately the weater stayed fine as I waved the competitors off at minute intervals. 120 entries in different classes with drivers from Finland, America, the Armed forces and even local .
28th At very short notice , we were asked if we could attend the Yewdale Community Centre for their Health and Well Being Project. Our reply was in the affirmative and as we hadn’t visited before we looked forward to the event. Presiding was Garry Schubert, who is the Health and Well-being Officer at the Civic Centre. The building was opened 20 years ago by the former Mayor Mrs Elsie Coleman and it is well patronised. The pre-school nursery is a marvellous facility. However, today was all about keeping healthy with advisers on hand for healthy eating, fitness clubs,giving up smoking etc. A most informative afternoon and it is great to know that Carlisle is not only a Fairtrade City but strives to be a Healthy City.
29th This date has been in the Mayoral Diary for months – my main Charity’s 15th Anniversary Service at the Cathedral. Hospice at Home, Carlisle and North Lakeland, is a local charity providing nursing care, respite and palliative care for local people who choose to remain in their own home at the end stages of their life. The Bishop of Penrith the Rt. Rev. Robert Freeman preached the sermon reflecting on his own father’s demise. The choir sang beautifully anf the lessons and readings were read by members of the Hospice. After the service we gathered in the Tithe Barn for refreshments. I was accorded the honour of cutting the Anniversary Cake as long as I made a short speech!!