Mayor bows out on a charity high

11:10am Friday 16th May 2008

Comments (5)   Have your say »

CURRY nights, auctions and raffles have swelled the coffers of Swindon charities to the tune of £25,500.

But the endless fundraising has been the highlight of an exceptionally busy year, according to outgoing Swindon mayor Michael Barnes.

Coun Barnes made the statement after spending his last full day in office yesterday.

And he celebrated his mayoral year by inviting all his nominated charities to a reception in the Mayor's Parlour.

TWIGS (Therapeutic Work In Gardening Swindon), and Swindon Cares charities Broadgreen Breakfast Club, Swindon Therapy Centre for MS and Swindon Samaritans all received cheques at the event.

"Fundraising has been the highlight of the year," said Coun Barnes, who will hand over his chains today to incoming mayor Coun Steve Wakefield.

"The event today was the culmination of that and a chance to say thanks to everyone who has been part of the fundraising.

"They are all very worthwhile charities, each of whom have been proactively engaged with our fundraising efforts and helped increase the totals raised.

"I started the year with a total of £3,000 in mind, I think the mayoress was slightly more optimistic.

"But we've both been amazed by the amount actually raised."

TWIGS service manager Alan Holland, who received a cheque for £5,274 on top of the £10,000 the charity had already been given, found the mayor's attire quite uncomfortable when trying the robes and chains on for size.

He said: "It will be good to tell my mum I was briefly mayor for a minute or two and had a momentary glimpse into what it would be like to wear the gown and chains.

"I wasn't sure about the hat though. It looked like Napoleon's throw off.

"But on a serious note I think everyone at TWIGS feels a little bit special about the mayor supporting us.

"We have been struck by their genuine desire to help local projects.

"The mayor and mayoress have worked tirelessly to raise the profile and raise money for our charity during the last year."

The money will go towards the charity's £80,000 a year running costs.

MS therapy centre manager Jackie Wray said: "I know how hard the pair have worked and we have given them a massive thank you.

"We are still in the process of relocating centres, but this money will go towards our target of £500,000."

James Arkell, the chairman of Swindon Cares, said: "This is the most amount of money raised from a mayor since we've been going in five years.

"Michael and Sue have done such a great job and done it with a light touch and style. It's their personalities that have shone through and put a great deal of effort into making it the success it has been."