Read the monthly blog from Weymouth’s Mayor

Following a fairly manic December the start of the New Year is a welcome time to reflect and recharge batteries.

I was very pleased to be able to attend the annual tea party given by Moose Ladies for older residents of Weymouth. One of their guests was our own famous resident Jumping Jimmy Thunder – an Elvis impersonator – who kindly agreed to give us a song. It was a nice way for us all to brighten up a drab January day.

The end of the month is always marked by the Holocaust service held around the memorial tree in Radipole Park Gardens. It is always a very poignant event and a fitting way to remember atrocities committed across the world during the various wars and conflicts since WWII. Especially nice this year to be joined by students from local schools. Our service was led by the Rev. Betty Port who always finds just the right tone and Barbara Cohen, a local resident shared her thoughts and memories.

In keeping with Weymouth Town Council’s community focus, a networking event was held at Castle Cove Sailing Club, a super venue on a particularly bright day.  This was attended by many representatives from local voluntary and community groups leading to some lively discussions and exchanges and sharing of ideas. The theme was social media and marketing, and our Communications Team gave a presentation on the topic. There will be more of these to come so look out for them – next one is on Tuesday 23rd April at the New Town Hall and is about recruiting more volunteers.

2024 marks the 70^th anniversary of the Samaritans in Weymouth. Quite an achievement for this wonderful group of volunteers. Being there to listen when someone is feeling lonely and without hope, or just alone is a great gift. I was delighted to be invited to join them for a winter warmer lunch. The food was great, wonderful puddings and the company even better. Entertainment was from a group I hadn’t met before called Waterfolk; they were terrific. Look out for them, the group raise much-needed funds for Wateraid.

Our parks are beginning to burst into life with daffodils now all coming into bloom, and it was lovely to see the crocuses pushing through the grass in Radipole Park Gardens. Before we know it spring will be here with all the excitement that brings to our beautiful town.  

I look forward to seeing and meeting you during February. I will be attending the Love Your Weymouth Festival on Tuesday 13th February, starting at 10am in the Council Chamber. It’s in the school holidays, so pop along anytime between 10am and 2pm to find out more.

Cllr Kate Wheller, Mayor of Weymouth

ENDS