It’s been another busy month!
BSTC launched our new website last month, designed to help improve communication with the public and the understanding of the work the Town Council does, which includes a new monthly newsletter hopefully where you are reading this from.
On Friday 11th September, I had the pleasure to be present at the opening of the Stratton School Track 1km multi-use track. Last year, caretaker Martin Bunning, had the idea of creating this after seeing similar tracks in action. With the support of Penny Simpson, Headteacher, and the whole school a series of funding events took place including a ‘Pretty Muddy’ race around the school fields. In February this year, the school applied for planning permission and it seems incredible that this great project has been completed already. It’s open to the public after 4 pm weekdays and all weekends.
Cornwall Council has negotiated a support package with GLL and Bude Leisure Centre re-opened on 14th October. Thanks, Cornwall Council for sorting this out.
The Safer Summer scheme has finished and I would like to thank Town and Country security for their commitment to the patrols around the coastline and canal helping make Bude a safer place. There is no doubt in my mind as to the success of the scheme.
The Town Councillors were invited last week to visit the Pearl Exchange as they began to set up the venue situated on the Pitch and Putt site on Summerleaze Downs. This project born out of family tragedy sets out to increase the confidence and life skills for 18 to 30-year-olds in a trial scheme lasting until the end of March 2021.
In these Covid times, this facility is needed more than ever, given that we are so far away from large towns and cities. It is amazing that a few people against the scheme caused so much upset when so many townsfolk were in favour of the scheme. How great to be able to use a council building that would be empty until next Easter. If they are successful with the project they will be looking to locate in town and it would become an incredible support system for our young adults.
This Remembrance Day will look slightly different this year… Wouldn’t it look good to come into town with a line of red along the Strand for Remembrance Day, with all the lamp posts covered in poppies?
It has been difficult to work through the guidelines to allow us to safely commemorate and it is a huge disappointment that this year due to the pandemic there will be no parade on the Strand on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 8th.
At 9.30 in Stratton, there will be a very small ceremony with the laying of three wreaths at the War Memorial. Due to social distancing, there will be no other formality. St Andrews will also be holding a church service at 9.30
In Bude on Shalder hill at 11 o’clock, the Two Minute Silence and the laying of wreaths will take place. Due to the Covid restrictions and the risks associated, only one person per wreath will be allowed. The numbers have been tightly controlled and helpfully a number of organisations have chosen to lay their wreaths at different times throughout the day.
Bude will not be holding a church service and it is requested that those wishing to attend the War Memorial on Shalder Hill do so either before or after the wreath-laying which is between 10.45 am and 11.30 am. Always observing social distancing.
To show our support for our Serving personnel and Veterans maybe it would be a good idea to ask the community and community groups if they would like to adorn the lamp posts that line the riverside of the Strand with poppies or similar Remembrance items. Groups can wire a small sign with their name and message on as part of their tribute.
Let’s make this happen.
Due to the fact that our Poppies sellers are restricted from being out in the community selling poppies due to Covid19, there is a potential shortfall in donations for the British Legion. I have posted below the link for donations which can be made for as little of £1.
Mayor Bob.