Whilst last October seems a strangely distant time to commence my report, an event besides the River Deben, which plays such a significant part in the life of Woodbridge, fully justifies the start date.
The Woodbridge Cruising Club not only celebrated on 22nd October, the official opening of the new club training extension - appropriately performed by Frank Knights, a true man of the river and now Honorary Freeman of the town - but also celebrated the 200th anniversary of Trafalgar. The style and panache in which both events were undertaken was both a fitting tribute to Nelson and without doubt to the club, where a tremendous spirit of friendship, nautical prowess and committee commitment is very evident.
In November, the town marked Remembrance Day with a very well attended service and parade. I was also delighted to welcome senior commanding officers and ranks of the Army Engineers as a forward contingent of the Woodbridge Rock Barracks which will be fully commissioned this summer. Subject to deployment, troops from the Rock Barracks are anticipated to attend this year’s ceremony. Two birthday celebrations also made November special to me – Mrs. Carter, a resident at the Seckford Alms Houses, joined the elite group of local centenarians and my 50th – which coincided with the annual mayor’s reception.
The diversity of mayoral duties is always highlighted during December. The month began with the judging of shop window displays in the town and The Little Mermaid on the Market Hill captured the first prize for its attractive seasonal presentation. The Deben Swimming Club Annual Meeting was another outstanding success, with the well supported and very competitive races expertly organised by the local club. David Caddick joined Frank Knights as the year’s new Honorary Freeman of the town following his nomination for a variety of outstanding community achievements & activities that he has been closely involved with.
The Shire Hall welcomed a group of European Teachers who were interested to learn more about the town in which they were being hosted by the Abbey School. As the month progressed, so the pace of pre-Christmas festivities quickened with Carol Services at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and at St Mary’s Church, particularly noteworthy for the breadth of choral talent and tremendous individual performances.
Each year the Rotary Club of Woodbridge truly brings the spirit of Christmas to the Market Hill. The 54th consecutive presentation of the Christmas tree and Carol Service, supported by the Woodbridge Excelsior band, was enjoyed by one of the largest gatherings for many years of adults and children alike. The Rotary Club organisation of the event, with a special attendance by Father Christmas, made for a most memorable and greatly enjoyed introduction to the season’s festivities.
In my final newsletter of my term as Town Mayor, which ends in May, I shall review more closely the various changes and matters of interest, which have occurred in Woodbridge over the course of my year in Office.