THE mayor of Bude-Stratton has looked back on a ‘productive year’ as 2024 comes to a close.

In a message to residents Cllr Steve Haynes has reflected on the past 12 months, stating that Bude-Stratton Town Council has “worked to improve facilities, preserve our heritage and support our vibrant community.”

He said: “Earlier this year we celebrated the opening of Katy’s Corner at Bencoolen Play Park and completed the Compass Point Storm Tower relocation, marked by a time capsule burial and opening ceremony with over four hundred people in attendance. We also launched the Storm Tower Exhibition at The Castle Heritage Centre and the interactive Bude Heritage Trail, which highlights our town’s rich history.

“May was a time of fresh beginnings as I was honoured to be elected Mayor, alongside our new Deputy Mayor, Ethan Hanna. We welcomed guests from our twin town, Ergué-Gabéric and took on responsibility for the skatepark, moving plans for its redevelopment forward.

“In August, we opened a football area on Summerleaze Downs for people of all ages to enjoy and launched the Storm Tower Community Sew project, encouraging community creativity. September brought the start of plans for a much-needed youth facility to serve local needs and support Cornwall Council’s wider youth provision.

“This year, Bude-Stratton Town Council was proud to support LJD Coaching in delivering the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, which earned prestigious recognition as both South West Regional Winners and National Winners of the 2024 HAF Holiday Programme Awards. Since 2022, our funding has enabled this initiative to provide thousands of subsidised places for children, offering sports, music, dance, and nutritious meals. This achievement, celebrated at the House of Commons, highlights the programme’s exemplary impact, with other towns looking to replicate Bude’s model. We are proud to have played a part in this success.

“In partnership with the Royal British Legion, Bude-Stratton Town Council was honoured to assist in organising this year’s Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations. These events provided an opportunity for the community to come together to honour the sacrifices of our armed forces. These acts of remembrance reinforce our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the values it represents.

“We were deeply honoured in November by a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh. The visit was a reminder of the importance of community and service and we were proud to share Bude’s rich heritage with such a distinguished guest.

“This sense of community is something we continue to nurture through our Community Grant Scheme, which has supported a range of local organisations such as Bude Carnival Committee, Bude Cancer Support, Bude Town Football Club, and Bude RNLI.

“Finally, we have engaged with our new MP, Ben Maguire, to ensure the unique challenges faced by our community are understood and addressed.

“As the year ends, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The passion and dedication of our residents, volunteers and council staff inspire us to keep building a stronger, more connected community.”