Cllr Bob Willingham, mayor, was met with criticism at the meeting of Bude-Stratton Town Council on Thursday, July 5 when he stated that he would not be hosting mayors from other towns in North Cornwall and Devon at this year’s Heritage Day.
Heritage Day took place on Sunday, July 29 as part of the Heritage Weekend on July 28 and 29.
Cllr Willingham stated, during his mayor’s report, that instead of hosting mayors at the event, he would be looking to create plans for a ‘Heroes of Bude’ presentation to take place later in the year instead, to celebrate the local community. “I’d like to create a Heroes of Bude presentation with the mayor’s allowance, where people can nominate local volunteers they think have made a great difference to their town. There could be a buffet, and a big celebration of the fantastic people in our community. I’d quite like to put things out to the press and online, so people can get involved and nominate the volunteers they think have done Bude proud.”
However, Cllr Frank Partridge stood to say he was ‘very disappointed’ in Cllr Willingham’s decision not to host mayors at the town’s event, claiming that he felt it was his ‘civic duty’ to do so.
“What interests me is Bude,” Cllr Willingham said. “I believe it (the allowance) is called the ‘mayor’s allowance’, so I assume I am given the right to spend it as I wish.
“On Sunday (during Heritage Day) I will be with the gig club, doing the sport I love.”
Cllr Peter Moores, 2017 mayor, also criticised Cllr Willingham, saying: “With Holsworthy’s civic event, I believe that is to be held in July — next week. Have you been invited?”
“No,” Cllr Willingham told him. “They have probably got the idea.”
What are your thoughts on a Heroes of Bude presentation, and who would you nominate? Email [email protected]
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