Page 55 - South Issue 12

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Local weightlifter takes on
Commonwealth Games
Weightlifter Ben Watson has been selected to lift for the English
team in this July’s Commonwealth Games. The 24 year-old will
be on the team of 8 and will compete in the 105kg category. In
February, he did a fantastic lift (335kg) to qualify. Training at St
Birinus Club, he is now considered a strong medal contender. Ben
himself has said he would be happy with a top five placing. St
Birinus club has become one of the strongest in the UK after head
coach, Philip Karlsson, joined in 2002. His teaching has helped
weightlifters such as Ben to train effectively and excel in their sport.
Ben is also carrying on a team tradition by coaching youngsters in
his free time.
Ben’s competition takes place on 30th July so keep an eye out for
him on the television!
New Mayor is Didcot ‘born and bred’
Each year at the Annual Meeting of the Council a
new Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected to serve
for the coming year. Meetings of the Council are
chaired by the Mayor, assisted by the Deputy Mayor
in accordance with Standing Orders. At the Annual
Meeting of the Council held in May, Councillor Mr
Scott Wilgrove was elected as Mayor and Councillor
Mr Des Healy was elected as Deputy Mayor for the
year 2014/2015.
The new Mayor, Councillor Mr Scott Wilgrove, said:
“I’m honoured to have been elected Mayor and hope
to make a positive contribution to the town during
my year in office. The previous Mayor has set an
excellent example and I am committed to continuing
his good work.
I am Didcot born and bred so have a real connection
with the town. Didcot is changing and expanding
rapidly but the town I remember as a child is still here
and I feel privileged to be able to represent Didcot
locally and in the wider community.
During the coming year I will be raising funds for
Didcot Railway Centre. I have chosen this charity
because I have fond memories as a young boy visiting
and seeing our history. I hope the centre will inspire
younger generations for years to come, and maybe
volunteer! They attract visitors to Didcot from all
over the country. We are looking at a joint project
to provide themed play equipment for the younger
visitors.”
Councillor Healy said: “I am very pleased to have
been elected Deputy Mayor and I look forward to
supporting Councillor Wilgrove 100% in his Mayoral
role during the year to come. “