It was a magnificent finale to her year as Marlborough Town Mayor: at her farewell reception Councillor Margaret Rose handed over a cheque to her chosen charity – the Brain Tumour Charity – for the staggering sum of £11,193.42p which she raised during her term of office.
She has raised the largest amount of any Marlborough Town Mayor in recent years and the total is still growing.
Councillor Rose’s Mayoress for the year was her daughter, Mary Garner, who is a nurse. The Brain Tumour Charity is a cause close to both of their hearts and was chosen in memory of Margaret’s son-in-law, Phil Garner, who lost his life to the disease.
The Mayor, who steps down next week, thanked all those who had helped and supported her with various charity events – the 4th Military Intelligence Battalion, Peter Povey and Marlborough Scouts, Nick Helps (Manager at Tesco), Dr Nick Maurice and David Du Croz, for their help in putting together a recital, Town Council staff and many more.
She had particular praise for her team of Dames with whom she had worked at Marlborough College and who had supported her throughout the year. Lots of local people had helped with some memorable events – a splendid concert at St Peter’s Church, Alice’s Enchanted Picnic at Priory Gardens and, most recently, a Duck Race along the River Kennet.
Not forgotten, of course, were those who had rattled collection tins in Marlborough High Street.
Among others who praised the year’s work for the charity was Richard Jones, done a member of the Town Council staff, who faces the challenges of everyday life with a brain tumour. He personally thanked carers and, in particular, his wife, Alison, who has always been there to support him.
Berendina Cook, a trustee of the Brain Tumour Charity who lost her son to the disease, accepted the cheque and was clearly moved and impressed by the efforts people had made to support this important charity.
Berrie, as she likes to be known, is an accomplished pianist and had performed at the September concert in St Peter’s Church with Mathew Stanley – kicking off the campaign by raising an impressive £3,000.
The Mayor said: “I am overwhelmed by the number of people who have given their time and supported me this year and so pleased that so many have been able to come along this evening so that I can personally thank them.”
“We have all worked together to raise money for this important cause and, I hope, helped to spread a better understanding of this dreadful disease.”