Since becoming Mayor, I have been truly amazed at the kindness and generosity of those living and working in our town. It has been lovely to be out and about meeting so many people and attending so many events across the town. For a town where apparently nothing ever happens it has been very busy calendar with lots of events and activities. Events such as the street food markets which have proven very popular, the Food Festival was also a success. The town council also helped coordinate the Heritage Festival in September and incorporate a car show on the same day bringing a wider audience to the town.
It has been a busy couple of weeks as we head towards Christmas with the well-attended Remembrance Parade, followed by the satellite Lumiere Installations, followed by the fantastic Christmas Town Weekend in which the Town Council were the principle partner and were amazed by the phenomenal turnout of people from near and far. It really brought people together, and brought the spirit of Christmas to all who attended.
We have continued to spread the Christmas Spirit by supporting a range of other Christmas initiatives, such as the Winter Wonderland at Auckland Youth and Community which has see over 360 children attend, enabled 100 little ones aged 5 and under to attend the Tinsel theatre performances at the Town Hall, supported the Woodhouse Close Community Centre Christmas Activities, supported Christmas performances in the Newgate Centre, Wear Valley Community Action who are hosting a post Christmas party at Henknowle, and the AYCC who are distributing 100 tickets to the Bishop Auckland Theatre Society Panto. As well as this we have delivered some festive food and chocolate hampers to the care homes to help them celebrate the season.
The fundraising for my chosen charities, Alzheimer’s UK and for local dementia support the Angel Trust started will with a lovely afternoon tea event. I have also had a very enjoyable cheese and wine train ride on the Weardale Railway, and a fun quiz night with pie and peas. I thank everyone who has supported the events, I have another two events planned in the new year with a Valentines Dinner on 9th February, at the golf club, and an Irish night on 16 March at the Rugby Club. If you would like to come along please contact the office.
As the year draws to a close, I remain hopeful for 2024, as there are lots to look forward to as the town starts to see the development commence under the regeneration of the Future High Street Fund and Stronger Towns Fund. All of these things combined with the fantastic people of the town make the future of Bishop Auckland very exciting.
On behalf of Bishop Auckland Town Council, my fellow Councillors and Town Council Officers, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
