Thank You Mr Mayor

Congratulations to our former Chairman, Derek Hilyer, who has just taken up a new role as Mayor of Leek. And thank you for 17 years of service to Beatrice, including 14 years as Chairman. Derek handed that post to Marc Jones in April this year and will be stepping down from his duties as Secretary and Trustee at the end of the season, allowing him to concentrate on his role as Mayor.

In his time Beatrice has been almost entirely refurbished, paid for by his making some substantial bids, by fund-raising by volunteers, and by gifts and legacies prompted by the charity's good name. The committee of Trustees has been strengthened and the crewing arrangements have moved from a single paid skipper, with a few helpers, to more than 25 volunteers, of whom a dozen are qualified to skipper the boat.

A recent development is the increased use of sponsorship to enable adults with cognitive problems to enjoy a trip on Beatrice, building on nearly 50 years of serving children with special needs. The first Beatrice was launched by Princess Anne in 1978 and Derek looks forward to enjoying (without having to do any work) the anniversary in 2028.

As Mayor Derek is particularly keen to prepare the Town Council for the increase in responsibilities that will come from Local Government re-organisation and devolution in 2028. But his first task is to  ensure that the centenary this year of the Nicholson War Memorial is commemorated appropriately.