Happy New Year, I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a great start to 2024! I always find this is a good time of year to look back at things that happened in 2023 as your Mayor of Weymouth. I started off my role as Mayor by attending the Community Expo which was my first engagement held at the Jubilee Clock last May. This year, Weymouth’s Community Expo will again be held at the Jubilee Clock as it was such a great location for talking to people as they passed by.
In June it was the Armed Forces celebrations where I attended the open-air service for all veterans at the Cenotaph along Weymouth Esplanade. It was great to recognise the significant contribution to the nation and Weymouth from the veterans by celebrating and providing a focus on their charities and associations. I then attended Radipole Park and Gardens to mark the start of work to redevelop it for future generations.
A new kiosk facility, toilets, a sensory garden and sports play area are just some of the improvements being made there. It’s a project the Friends Group, Weymouth Town Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund have been working on together, and I can’t wait to see residents and visitors make use of the new park. I also attended two Wild in the Park community events organised by Weymouth Town Council over the summer. It was lovely to see young children get involved with outdoor activities and learn about the nature that surrounds us.
Weymouth Town Council hosted five firework displays throughout the summer holidays which was a huge success. It was great to count down the fireworks every week along with Dave Goulden who provided the commentary. The displays provided fantastic entertainment for residents and tourists who came down to visit Weymouth. The end of the year is such a busy
time for everyone, including my role as Mayor. I was privileged to represent the town by laying wreaths alongside our Armed Forces for Remembrance Sunday. I did the countdown and helped
turn on Weymouth’s Christmas lights. It was great to see so many residents and visitors in the town centre making use of the free parking provided by Dorset Council. I also hosted a new event in our packed events calendar – Carols by the Coast. It was a cold evening but full of fun and Christmas cheer with festive songs to brighten the dark days of December.
And as I look ahead to 2024, I can’t wait to see what the remainder of my term as Mayor of Weymouth will entail!
weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Kate Wheller
Mayor of Weymouth