Christmas Message from the Mayor
As the festive season approaches, I want to reflect on what has been a productive year for Bude-Stratton Town Council. Together, we have worked to improve facilities, preserve our heritage and support our vibrant community.
Celebrating our Heritage
Earlier this year we celebrated the opening of Katy’s Corner at Bencoolen Play Park and completed the Compass Point Storm Tower relocation, marked by a time capsule burial and opening ceremony with over four hundred people in attendance. We also launched the Storm Tower Exhibition at The Castle Heritage Centre and the interactive Bude Heritage Trail, which highlights our town’s rich history.
Fresh Beginnings in May
May was a time of fresh beginnings as I was honoured to be elected Mayor, alongside our new Deputy Mayor, Ethan Hanna. We welcomed guests from our twin town, Ergué-Gabéric and took on responsibility for the skatepark, moving plans for its redevelopment forward.
Community Projects and Initiatives
In August, we opened a football area on Summerleaze Downs for people of all ages to enjoy and launched the Storm Tower Community Sew project, encouraging community creativity. September brought the start of plans for a much-needed youth facility to serve local needs and support Cornwall Council’s wider youth provision.
Recognising Excellence in Community Programmes
This year, Bude-Stratton Town Council was proud to support LJD Coaching in delivering the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, which earned prestigious recognition as both South West Regional Winners and National Winners of the 2024 HAF Holiday Programme Awards. Since 2022, our funding has enabled this initiative to provide thousands of subsidised places for children, offering sports, music, dance, and nutritious meals. This achievement, celebrated at the House of Commons, highlights the programme’s exemplary impact, with other towns looking to replicate Bude’s model. We are proud to have played a part in this success.
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
In partnership with the Royal British Legion, Bude-Stratton Town Council was honoured to assist in organising this year’s Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations. These events provided an opportunity for the community to come together to honour the sacrifices of our armed forces. From wreath-laying ceremonies and services to the illumination of the War Memorial and Storm Tower, these acts of remembrance reinforce our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the values it represents.
A Royal Visit to Remember
We were deeply honoured in November by a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh. During her visit, Her Royal Highness toured The Castle, where she met with local community leaders and volunteers, learning about the invaluable work being done to enrich the lives of residents. She also signed the visitor book and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark this special occasion. The visit was a reminder of the importance of community and service and we were proud to share Bude’s rich heritage with such a distinguished guest.
Supporting Local Organisations
This sense of community is something we continue to nurture through our Community Grant Scheme, which has supported a range of local organisations such as Bude Carnival Committee, Bude Cancer Support, Bude Town Football Club, and Bude RNLI.
Engaging with Our New MP
Finally, we have engaged with our new MP, Ben Maguire, to ensure the unique challenges faced by our community are understood and addressed.
Reflecting on a year of community Achievements
As the year ends, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The passion and dedication of our residents, volunteers and council staff inspire us to keep building a stronger, more connected community.
On behalf of Bude-Stratton Town Council, I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
With warm regards,
Steve Haynes
Mayor of Bude-Stratton Town Council
