To Boldly Go - A Message from the Mayor Elect Mike Coles

Split infinitives or otherwise, are the last thing on my mind as I consider the forthcoming year and in particular that splendid Downham Market tradition, the annual Festival. I believe this year's theme of "Exploration" is particularly appropriate for all citizens of Downham Market. Exploration, in its many forms, is rife in this town!

Regeneration is well under way - The New Library and Priory Terrace is proof of that

- and there's much more to come - The Alleyways, the Town Centre, the Swimming Pool to name but a few. I know change can be difficult to handle but if you try to stand still you can, very quickly, find yourself going backwards. Not everyone will agree with what's happening, they rarely do, but what is important is that they care enough to express their point of view. I am very heartened by the number of people who do just that in Downham Market and that makes me very proud to be given the job of Mayor.

Just as regeneration is a form of exploration so the Festival has become a great tradition of which its founders, and you all know who they are! (Tinker Who?) can be justifiably proud. I know he would say he didn't do it all by himself. He would, of course be right, but I suspect his enthusiasm and leadership might have had a little influence!

A tremendous amount of work goes into organising the Festival and there can be no better demonstration of your appreciation of all that work than your enthusiastic presence at as many events as possible throughout the week. There has always been a superb family atmosphere during Festival Week and I have every reason to believe that 2001 will be no different.

Another thing happening very soon, so I'm told, is a French invasion force which will be probing our defences and sampling our hospitality. Tinker Who? is reputed to have something to do with this as well, but was last seen on the front page of our “Local” sporting a piece of police headgear more associated with "Allo, Allo" - Good moaning Monsieur Tinkeer you will be relieved to hear I shall say this only once! Seriously though folks, the twinning with Civray has and continues to be a wonderful success, which would not have happened without a bit of exploration.

Returning to the all important subject of the Festival, I would like to congratulate Ray Wales and his magnificent team on a truly splendid effort last year and to wish that same team every success in all that they have planned for 2001. Judging by the speed at which new houses are going up in the town at present I have to ask – “Will the Howdale be big enough?”

Mike Coles