My Village Tour 2012, during which I held 63 open street surgeries in villages across the Borough's rural areas, is now over, and I want to thank everyone who came out to speak to me. The fact that so many residents took the opportunity to raise the important matters for them and for their community is much appreciated.
As what passed for 'summer' this year clings on for a few final days of dry, warmish weather, I was delighted for all involved with the excellent Bedford Memory Walk at Bedford's Priory Country Park on Sunday that conditions were fair. This is not just because I was taking part (although it was most welcome!), but because it helped a great local charity event in aid of the Alzheimer's Society to be an even greater success than it otherwise might have been.
This morning was of course Macmillan Coffee Morning, a major nationwide charity event, and for me it was a reminder of the remarkable way in which local residents, groups and businesses in Bedford Borough come together to support community events and fundraising activities.
This afternoon Bedford has the chance to celebrate the contribution made by so many local people to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, and in particular to congratulate our very own Olympic Gold Medallist, Etienne Stott, at a celebration parade through the town. The parade will be setting off from De Parys Avenue at 1pm, before setting off down the High Street and then along the Embankment. Following the parade will be the official re-naming of the Duckmill White Water Arena as the Etienne Stott White Water Arena.
