Mayor’s blog – September
While September saw schools restart I was busy seeing what other Mayors across Dorset were up to as they hosted civic services and open days. At Bridport we visited the museum and West Bay exhibition. Both are well worth looking around. In the museum we tried making a rope, in keeping with Bridport’s history. Chickerell included Bennett’s water garden which still had lilies in bloom.
I attended Ceremonies by the Sea which remembered the Merchant Navy and later a separate event for the R.A.F. Each service playing a crucial part in the last world war. Thoughts turned from conflict to peace when Artwey celebrated the United Nations International Day of Peace. They had done art work with local schools and people from the barge. The day began with planting a peace rose (taken from the peace conference after WW2) which I planted at the new Radipole sensory garden. The group then processed to the Royal Hotel for a reception, poems and gallery of the art.
Sensory Gardens at Radipole Park
A highlight of the month was the Dusk ’til Dark experience on Bowleaze and the Esplanade on the last weekend of the month. The night being pierced by extravagant costumes, changing light effects and rhythmic drumming.
Image of Worldbeaters performance. Photo credit: We Are Weymouth
Weymouth Water Fest was a new venture; organised by Weymouth Town Council but very much a voluntary group led event. It took place on the beach and in the water and even included a rendition of the Hokey Cokey when participants took to the sea for a sing-a-long. The weather cleared just in time for the kayaking sessions, paddle boarding, yoga on the beach, dip and donuts, sauna tasters, Swim Safe sessions, water polo, including the Bluetits and Beach Babes. On land we were entertained by the Dorset Wrecks, Wey Bay Rockers, and Weymouth Ukuleleans.
The contributors included Adventure4All, Revive Wild Sauna, Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Everyone Active, Surf Life Saving Club, Weymouth & Portland Water Polo Club and Weymouth RNLI. Thanks to everyone for making it such an enjoyable event, I hope this will become an annual outing. Some images below capturing parts of the day.
ENDS