RECENTLY attended a meeting of the Coronation Street Disabled Club, who meet at the Pub Within a Club (old British Legion) High Street Badsey, it was a privilege to meet the members this pragmatic club who put me through my paces, with there proactive approach to where Evesham and it's Hinterland are going over the next few years. We are very fortunate in our community to have volunteers such as Jean Dyke who have worked diligently over the past 32 years as a Volunteer, Jean was instrumental in organizing the event

I recently became aware of a new service being developed by the Alzheimer's Society to help reduce loneliness and isolation for people living with dementia (with support of volunteers) to remain integrated within our community. I'm confident that people reading this are aware of the barriers that face members of our community from accessing their local services and staying connected to their community. The Town Clerk and I are attending a meeting on March 22 meeting interested parties, the outcome we hope will be to form a positive working party to ensure that Evesham Town becomes "Dementia Friendly". A number of people feel that this is something we should be looking at through the eyes of the Town Plan, so I have taken the liberty and invited the Chair of the Town Plan Committee, Cllr Mark Goodge ( his diary permitting) to attend the meeting.

I just can't keep my nose out of the Worcestershire Older Peoples Forums, last Wednesday I attended the important meeting of the WCC Older Peoples Consultative Meeting which was held in Perdeswell, which as been in existence for some years now - Long may it continue.

On Saturday along with our MP Nigel Huddleston we were privileged with opening the Fairtrade Event at the Evesham Baptist Church. "Fairtrade harnesses the power of shoppers, produces, businesses and campaigners and it's growing all the time." By the way folks the Pancakes were delicious.

A big thank you to Dianne and Robert Raphael and their dedicated staff for all their hard work in organizing a Saturday night Valentines Event in aid of the Mayors Charities, it was a delightful evening.

Sunday the Mayors Civic Service was held at Parish Church of All Saints Evesham. My theme was Volunteering in the Community something I have actively been involved within Evesham, throughout Worcestershire and Nationally for some 15 years or so. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" sang by a group from the The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day - a big thank you must go to the group. Also I must thank John Darby for contribution (well done John). The service was conducted by The Reverend Mark Binney who gave thanks to those who work as volunteers in Evesham giving their time to benefit to local community. Last but not least a big thank you to each and everyone of you who attended the service, and trust you enjoyed the refreshments in the Town Hall after the service.

Tuesday along with the chair of the WDC Cllr Val Wood we cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the new premisses of the Evesham and District Mental Health Support Services at 20 Church Street Evesham - who organize A welcome club (Day Centre) Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.

Counseling & Complementary Therapies - Information and advice. Contact details are Tel: 01386 429454 or 07719854127 Email: edmhss@btconnect.com

Cllr FRED KALER

Mayor of Evesham