It has been a quiet week this week for social and civic engagements so I went to visit Simon Batorski who runs Bridport Community Kitchen based at the Beacon Church, Priory Lane. I have chosen them as one of my charities for the next 12 months as they certainly help to fill a need in Bridport for an increasing number of people who need a warm and safe place to drop in, have tea, coffee or lunch and a chat with some of the volunteers that help to run the kitchen. There are also hot showers, clothes and washing facilities, health care and advice and even craft activities on offer for all to enjoy. I am really impressed by the work that they do and I look forward to helping them where I can in the future. I have already suggested a fundraising scheme which attracted a lot of interest so I hope to bring you more news in the future.

Connect Bridport

I popped into the Bridport Arts Centre after hearing from the Mayoress that she had just carried out 2 hours as a steward in the upstairs Gallery and what a fascinating free exhibition was on. Bridget gave me a complete run down of the history of Alan and Amanda Wallwork and of the wonderful the ceramics and paintings so I just had to go!. I am really pleased to have listened to her and spent an interesting hour there this week. If you find time to go remember to take a copy of the very interesting geographical walk map booklets away with you. It concludes on the 10th of June with an Artists Talk at 4pm for a 4.30pm start. Tickets for the talk are free but limited to 40 people.

The Arts Centre is now in its 50^th year and has a very interesting program of future events that should have something for everyone, you can view upcoming events online at https://www.bridport-arts.com/whats-on/

Social Media/Reporting of Problems

Much as I love sites like Bridport Banter and appreciate their place in society, I do find it frustrating that I often see posts complaining about “the Council” and things “the Council” does or doesn’t do.  It’s everyone’s right to say on social media if they don’t like what the council is or isn’t doing, but if people really want to get problems addressed, there are good and functioning systems both for Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council to use.  Social media is a great place to “have a moan” but please also contact your councils direct; it’s more productive and doesn’t take much extra effort.

Bridport Town Council’s website has an extensive list of services provided by councils and other organisations, along with contact details or links to reporting forms.  Find it at https://www.bridport-tc.gov.uk/services-and-contact-information/.  If that doesn’t show what you’re looking for, email enquiries@bridport-tc.gov.uk and the Town Council team will find out who to contact, and how.

If people prefer a more personal touch, then there are 18 Bridport Town Councillors and three Dorset Councillors in Bridport who were all elected democratically 4 years ago and are easily contactable by telephone or email that are willing and able to assist.  You can find contact details for your town councillors at https://www.bridport-tc.gov.uk/councillors/, and for your Dorset Council councillors at https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx?XXR=0&AC=WARD&WID=13175&sPC=Enter%20postcode.

And finally

Bridget, your Mayoress, is just starting to explore the support that is available locally for people with dementia, and their carers.

This week she visited the Memory Café at St Swithin’s Church Hall which meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 2pm-4pm.

It is facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Society, with volunteers supporting the group. It is an opportunity to socialise, take part in a variety of activities and get to know others sharing the same experiences. Tea and cake and a sing-a-long completed the session.

For more information telephone 01202 764352 or click here.