Since my last blog the main event I have been involved with is our annual Civic Service where we celebrate all those who help keep our town running well with their charities and volunteer groups. It was a pleasure to have other Mayors, our MP, the Under High Sheriff and Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
I gave a welcome address and for those interested here it is:
Trowbridge is on the Up!
I want to start by saying a phrase that I have heard or MP and others use recently and that is that “Trowbridge is on The Up” and I will give examples of why this is true throughout this introductory welcome.
First up is that The Old Town Hall has reopened as a great venue and Arts Centre for the Town. Trowbridge is on The Up!
I am pleased to be the Mayor of Trowbridge at this point in time when so much is going on. I am a Christian and normally in Council meetings do not have the opportunity to profess my faith but here in a Church Service I think I can. I believe in The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and without this Trinity I would not be here addressing you as Mayor of Trowbridge.
The River Biss from the Town Bridge through to the Town Park is to be revamped making it more of an asset for the town! Trowbridge is on The up!
Forgive me if I preach a little here.
I believe God has a plan for all of us and trying to hear what that plan is and following it is the only route to a lasting happiness. It may not be easy, but it will bring you peace. I never planned to end up living in Trowbridge, let alone be its mayor, but listening carefully at various decision points in my live has led me here and into local politics. I could go into a lot of details here about that path, but the day is hot and there is not enough time, needless to say some of my decisions may have looked odd from a worldly perspective. But here I am doing what I think God is telling me to do, the same is True of my Wife who has been a good sounding board for these decisions.
The Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre has opened. Trowbridge is on The Up.
I also believe God having a plan for us all is not just a “Christian thing”. I believe God works in everyone’s lives and guides when people listen. The Volunteers for the many organisations receiving grants by St James Trust and the Town Council have been drawn to that work though a passion to serve and that passion that I believe comes from God. For example, the Apple Festival will happen this year as the volunteers are driven to make that happen and I do believe their drive comes from God.
The excellent Trowbridge Leisure Centre is opening in December; Trowbridge is on The Up.
Volunteers in Trowbridge make the town what it is. So many of the local community’s support structures are run by volunteers and without them I believe the Town would not be able to function. I will not list them all here but just recognise their dedication and hard work, and we will here from a few this afternoon.
The Future High Streets Works have given us great seating and planters and improved pedestrian access across the town, the road works have been a pain, but the results will be worth it. Trowbridge is on The Up!
Now while I believe God has plans for us there is also Evil, a Devil and a temptation not to follow God’s plan. Following an evil, but personally beneficial route can lead to riches but never peace and happiness (I was tempted to illustrate this with some examples, but I would quickly head of into Politics so will not). We all need to do the right things, and this is best for both ourselves and for our communities.
I am trying to keep this short on this hot day so here are a few more reasons Trowbridge is on the Up.
We have a range of great events happening in our Park, like the successful active festival this weekend and we will also have bands playing in the bandstand, Trowbridge is on the up!
Majestic Wine is opening a branch in Trowbridge at the end of the month; Trowbridge is on the up!
The old Wetherspoons Pub on Market Street is reopening as a pub and live venue called the Birdhouse next week. Trowbridge is on the Up.
Lastly (and probably most controversially) it appears Wiltshire Council are close to agreeing on a route forward for the redevelopment of the Multistorey Car Park and Castle Place. Trowbridge is on the up!
Right back onto Charities, this year I have 2 charities that I am raising funds for one is The Storehouse food bank and the other is Group 5 and now we will have a little explanation about group 5’s activities.
I am looking forward to opening The Birdhouse this Friday.
