On Sunday 24th March residents of Marlow, members of local organisations and local dignitaries gathered in All Saints’ Church for the Town Mayor’s annual Civic Service.
“Our town is one of inclusion and collaboration, where every resident has a voice and a sense of belonging,” Mayor Brown said. “I see my role as Mayor to be a bridge between the town’s rich history and its promising future, working to ensure that our values are not just preserved but also evolve to meet the changing needs of our residents and visitors.”
The Mayor announced his Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Shaun and Barbara Murphy for their work in leading the Poppy Appeal for Marlow. Mayor Brown said: “Each year, the award is presented as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, highlighting an invaluable contribution to the Marlow community. Shaun and Barbara have worked unstintingly to support the Poppy Appeal in Marlow for over thirteen years. They thoroughly deserve this award.”
The Award was presented by The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Rev Canon David Bull led the service, assisted by Canon John Udris from St Peter’s RC Church, and the Glee Club Choir sang I’m Still Standing and You’ve Got A Friend. Jamie Watson of Great Marlow School read a poem by John Leroy Maxwell: Happiness is helping others.
Meals from Marlow, the Mayor’s Charity this year, gave a short talk about how they were formed during the Covid pandemic and how they are now feeding families who are struggling in the Marlow community. They are shortly to serve their 200,000th meal. The Royal Marines spoke about their pleasure in having their detachment based in Marlow and how welcome they feel in the community.
Mayor’s Civic Celebration 2023
On Sunday 12th March, Mayor Richard Scott welcomed residents of Marlow, members of local organisations and local dignitaries to All Saints’ Church for the Town Mayor’s annual Civic Service.
Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sheena Dykes, BEM, attended together with Chairman of Buckinghamshire Cllr Dev Dhillon; Mayor of High Wycombe, Cllr Arif Hussein; Mayor of Beaconsfield Cllr Alistair Pike; Mayor of Henley, Cllr Michelle Thomas; and Mrs Joy Morrissey MP.
Ali Liebowitz of the Ukraine Collective gave a talk on the work that has taken place in helping Ukrainian Refugees in Marlow, while Matthew House and a young scout from 3rd Bridge Scouts spoke about the benefits of scouting to prepare them for their future lives.
Two excellent choirs sang from Sir William Borlase’s School; the Chapel Choir sang Rainfall by Patti Drennan and the Gospel Choir sang Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars.
Mayor Richard Scott said: “The Civic Service is evidence of the community spirit that exists in our town, demonstrating that the Council and town organisations can work together to support our community. Thank to everyone for attending and for the work that you do, much of it unpaid, for the organisations and charities that you represent.”
The Mayor announced his Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented to Mrs Liz Ferris for her community work over many years. He said: “Liz has given a lifetime of outstanding service to children in Marlow, working with community groups and individual families, including Tiddlywinks, Teeny Saints Children’s groups and Lighthouse.
“In addition to caring for children, she actively supports the elderly, making a point of visiting them, taking them to Holy Communion and supporting their wellbeing in practical and spiritual ways.” Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sheena Dykes presented the Award for Lifetime Achievement Community Recognition to Liz Ferris on the Mayor’s behalf.
Rev. Canon Dave Bull took the service, assisted by Father John Udris and Tony Threlfall.
Civic Celebration 2022
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.
Civic Service 9th June 2019
On Sunday 9th June, Mayor Richard Scott welcomed residents of Marlow, members of local organisations and local dignitaries to All Saints Church for the Town Mayor’s annual Civic Service.
The service was attended by Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, who had just been made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the Queen’s birthday honours, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Mrs Julia Upton; the Chairman of Wycombe District Council, Cllr Paul Turner; Dominic Grieve, MP; and mayors and other dignitaries from surrounding areas. Reverend Dave Bull, the Rector of All Saints Church, took the service.
Harry Turnbull, the Organ Scholar at All Saints, played a Chopin piece on the grand piano.
Readings were given by Hilary Martin, Town Clerk and Jocelyn Towns, Leader of Marlow Town Council.
Mayor Richard Scott said: “This civic service is further evidence of the community spirit that exists in our town and demonstrates that the Council and all the town organisations can work together to support our community. So thank you all for attending and for the work that you do, much of it unpaid, for the organisations and charities that you represent.”