In May this year I once again was given the privilege of been elected Mayor for the year and have attended many community events.
My first event was Armed Forces Day where the community came together to Honor all our serving troops, service personnel families, veterans, reservists and cadets who are learning skills for the future. I then went to open the Gala which was well supported.
Durham miners gala day took place as usual on the 2nd Saturday in July where the Banner led by Wetherby Brass Band left the Catholic Club then onto the Chilton Sports and Social club and from there a wreath was laid on both memorials before going to the Wheatsheaf and then off to the Durham Big Meeting. On return we came back to the Social club for a buffet.
The Coach trip to South Shields went very well this year and it is hoped to have a trip again next year.
I hope residents can agree with me that the fireworks display this year was better than ever. I attended Church for the Remembrance Day service and laid wreaths at both memorials and this event gets bigger every year
This year the Town Council did a consultation to ask residents to choose some new Christmas motifs to add to some of our existing lights. The Light switch on at the end of November was very well supported by residents. The choir from Chilton Academy led a lantern parade along with stilt walkers to the Council offices where Reverend Lumsdon led the switch on event, children from Chilton Academy sang carols accompanied by Ferryhill Town Band and the gala princes helped to switch on the lights.
This year’s Christmas card design competition was won by Lex aged 4 from Chilton Academy.
Once again a Large Congregation attended St Aidan’s Church for Chilton Town Council annual Civic Carol Service.
None of these events would have taken place without a lot of hard work and commitment of all of the volunteers who work hard to bring all these community events to fruition, l would like to take this opportunity to thank them all, because without their help these events would not take place.
Christmas is a time when Communities, family and friends come together to Celebrate. But we should try if we can to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves at this festive time.
It is also a time when families remember loved ones who are no longer with us. We have a memory tree in the Town Council Offices and anyone wishing to remember their love ones, can purchase a tag for £1 and all proceeds will go towards purchasing a defibrillator for Chilton, all tag will be blessed at the midnight service in St Aidan’s Church.
This year I am raising money to support the Christmas lights next year and organization’s within Chilton. The next Charity event is on Valentines Evening at the Catholic Club, tickets will be on sale in January.
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a New Year of Health, Peace and Happiness.
Cllr Elizabeth Bruce