Mayor’s blog – 8 March 2024
Posted on: 8 March 2024
In the old days, mayors had limousines to take them safely to and from their appointments. I don’t know whether Tewkesbury Borough Council ever had a limousine, but there is certainly not one for me. I have to say that I think there is no real need for one. I can take myself from my home or from the council offices perfectly easily in my own car. I don’t like a lot of fuss and I certainly don’t think the council should spend any unnecessary money!
I have used several different methods of transport to get to my various engagements. Mostly, I have gone in my own car, but if the event has been in my own village, then sometimes I have been able to walk there. I like walking, and the Mayoress and I have enjoyed many days out in the countryside walking and enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Here in our corner of the country, we are lucky to have such areas of outstanding natural beauty.
When it is possible, I am always happy to travel by bus. Especially for events that have taken place in Gloucester Cathedral, using the bus saves all the problems associated with parking. I know that I am lucky to have a very convenient bus service into both Gloucester and Cheltenham, although no direct link to Tewkesbury. Many of our communities are not that lucky, and rural bus services are very much under pressure.
I was so very pleased that the bus link between Cheltenham and Woodmancote has been restored. The Mayoress and I rode on that bus on the first day of the new service; long may it continue.
Whilst we are on the theme of bus travel, I want to mention how much we have appreciated having bus passes. We have travelled all over the county, and used the passes on holiday in Northumbria, County Durham, Devon, Cornwall and London, as well as on the Isle of Wight. It saves parking and cluttering up the roads and is environmentally friendly.
I do have a bicycle, but to my shame I have not ridden it for more than a year. Perhaps now the better weather is just around the corner I shall pump up the tyres and get myself on it again.
