Mayor Richard Scott held a very successful Civic Celebration on Sunday 13th March at All Saints’ Church Marlow. Invited guests were the Lord Lieutenant, The Countess Howe, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Mr George Anson, Chairman of Buckinghamshire, Cllr Zahir Mohamed, Mayors from Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross and Deputy Mayor of High Wycombe Charter Trustees, Cllr Mrs Lesley Clarke. Representatives of groups, associations and volunteers from the Marlow Community were also invited in order to receive a thank you for their part in making Marlow such a caring community.
The Mayor Richard Scott said in his speech that it has been three years since a Civic Service had been held due to Covid. He said the service was called a Civic Celebration to reflect on the last two years of the pandemic and that hopefully the worst was over but also to reach out to our wider community. There have been many examples of the community in Marlow coming together, not least of which a food distribution service to the vulnerable, housebound and health service workers was established. Meals from Marlow was run by volunteers from many parts of the town, supported by one of Tom Kerridge’s companies. To date this operation has raised £260,000 and supplied 134,000 meals. This is ongoing on a slightly reduced scale as there is still demand for help from some residents.
The Mayor said: “Many residents asked why we volunteer to be Councillors. I have a simple answer, we believe that you should put something back into the community in which you live”
In addition to the service taken by Rev’d Canon Dave Bull and assisted by Rev’d Nick Thompson, the Town Council had invited the Harmony Belles community choir to sing two songs as part of the service having recently reforming after Covid. They were wonderfully uplifting with their beautiful vocals.
Commanding Officer, Lt Nick Jones of the Marlow Sea Cadets spoke about the Cadets having to build up their numbers after not being able to hold any activities during Covid. He said that the Cadets are very much part of the community and help out at events whenever possible. He said that being part of the Cadets helps to form them as responsible and caring adults through their various activities. They are actively seeking new recruits.
Dementia Action Marlow were invited along to talk about the charity. Jen Mason, Jennifer Miles and Bernie Hunter spoke to the guests about the challenges that dementia brings and that during the past year, they have built up a friendly and supportive circle for those living with dementia and their carers. They now meet every Tuesday & Wednesday afternoon at the Pugin Rooms and Age Concern in Marlow. They welcome anyone who would like to join. contact@dementiactionmarlow.org.
