MAYOR of Bewdley, Coun Nicole Harper, writes for the Standard.
I HOPE everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that I am still in time to wish everyone a happy new year.
After the whirlwind of Carol concerts and services up to Christmas, the highlight was Boxing Day when, on a freezing but sunny morning, I went to the Far Forest Showground to give the starting signal for the annual Bewdley Tractor Run.
This year it was raising funds for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group.
A total of 125 tractors were registered on the day but a few more arrived later to join the parade – around 15 miles of country roads through Stourport and back to Bewdley by lunchtime.
Most were decorated for Christmas and many of the drivers and passengers wore fancy dress.
I had the very difficult task of deciding on the winner!
The event has grown in popularity over the years. According to the organisers, this year was the ‘best ever in every way’ and collected just over £4,000 to share between the two charities.
Apart from monthly Bewdley Town Council and committee meetings, my focus for the rest of my year is on fundraising for my chosen charities.
My Bingo afternoon on January 24 at Wharton Park Golf Club was great fun for the 41 people who attended, many of whom had never played before.
I have organised a Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14 at Bewdley Pines Golf Club which will include live music and some poetry about love.
You can now get tickets for my Ladies Pop-Up Shop and Fashion show (with High Street Brands at up to 70 per cent off) taking place at St George’s Hall on Friday, March 13.
Tickets (£6 each) are available from the council office or several Bewdley shops.
My last fundraiser will be a community concert at St Anne’s on Saturday, April 25, supported by Bewdley Festival as part of its Stepping into Stories Festival.
It should be great fun and will include as much of Bewdley Musical talent as we can get together.
More about it next month but keep the date free.
