Saturday Engagements

Yesterday was a real good day for the two of us! We carried out two important civic engagements. As Mayor we visited Divine Onkar Mission in Dudley Road where I officially opened their warehouse and charity shop.

Divine Onkar Mission was one of my official charities this year, it was a good visit and I met a lot of community leaders at the opening ceremony. I gave a small speech and made the point to all that was in attendance that Mary and I had had a wonderful year serving Wolverhampton.

I informed the guests that it was too early as yet to predict the final tally for the Mayor's General Charities Fund, but there would be at least £21,000 perhaps a little more to distribute when the time limit for donations finally comes down for this Mayoral Year.

I was very pleased to see such a big crowd, I also gave an interview to Radio XL and I was informed that the interview was being streamed on the internet across the World. So the reach was very good!

From there I attended the opening of the Ashmore Park Skate Board Park, it is always nice attending your own patch, and both Mary and I were delighted when we drove onto the Park and viewed such a large group of young people.

There was a climbing wall, and other activities, and Mary and I cut the ribbon to officially open the skate park. Councillor Pete O'Neal Cabinet Member for Leisure was also in attendance. In my speech I drew attention to the way that the funding for the venture had been supported by the Neighbourhood Forum, and the City.

Also how the Police Liaisons committee had also supported the development. It was good to see the facility being so welcomed by young people. I also made a plea for it to be looked after and not vandalised.

Finally we were well entertained by a young rock band from Ashmore Park called 'Bridge 55' they were very good with a very talented lead singer. As we were departing I met the original two persons who had caught my imagination with their email and petition campaign to get this skate park constructed. I thanked them for their enthusiasm and devotion.......they first contacted me over 3 years ago!

Its great to see so many young people enjoying themselves...."