IT’S been a busy couple of weeks for me – on October 6, the Mayor’s travelling talk show went to Manor Court Primary School to talk about the mace, town crier and Mayor.

It’s quite hard to reduce your talk down for six-year-olds and the town crier is definitely a pirate.

Later that day was one of my events to raise money for the mayor’s charities – Antiques Call My Bluff, an excellent evening supplied by Exeter-based auctioneers Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood. The auctioneers tried to baffle those present with various valuations of the same item. They provided the evening free of charge, which I am very grateful for.

On Thursday, October 9, Andy and I joined Emma Jane Taylor, Mayor of Ilminster, at the fair and had a great time on the dodgems with local special needs clients. This was provided free by the owners of the rides at the fair and was a great opportunity for the group to enjoy the rides. Lots of smiling faces and candy floss.

Saturday, of course, was our Carnival.

I love carnival, the atmosphere in Chard was electric and the standard of entries was really high this year. I enjoyed walking around with Garry, the Deputy, and other mayors from local towns. At the end of the procession Chard Majorettes very kindly let us join their group to do a spot of pom-pom waving but I don’t think we will be asked back.

I also picked up two cheques from local business for my charities, which was very kind. Both Co-op and Spiller Aga of Chard held events and were donating the cash to the Mayor’s fund.

Between them they presented me with £300, so a big thanks there. We are happily making our way towards my target of £10,000.