Mayor of Shipston on Stour

05/09/2026

Very grateful to former Mayor Councillor Tony Booth for representing Shipston in my absence today at what seems to be a truly fantastic event! Real credit to the organisers and particularly Shipston-on-Stour and District Local History Society!

01/09/2026

My column in this month’s Forum. Featuring highlights last from the last month, including: the opening of the Stour Valley Lions Club summer fete, the opening of The Lily Pad Book Shop, Warwickshire Change Makers with Councillor Tony Booth and a fantastic letter from 10 year old Luna!

Read this month’s full issue:

https://shipstontowncouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Shipston_Forum_September26-Final.pdf

31/08/2026

Registration is open! A great way to support a brilliant charity. Providing home hospice care as far out as Bidford and Kineton, Shipston Home Nursing "Hospice care at home" is something our Town can be truly proud of.

Whether you'd like to walk, run or jog, we hope we'll see you at our annual 10k fun run / walk at Walton Hall in October! 🏃🚶‍♀️🐕

Registration is OPEN , so make the most of this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Walton Estate. The route is a 'bit of everything', from paths and fields to woods and lanes, so put on your trainers and enjoy our fun run!

Last year over 200 participants joined us and were supported by their families and our marshals along the way. We have medals and bacon (and veggie) rolls at the finish line... what's not to love?!🏅

To register your place enter here: https://ow.ly/LsWK50Zub1P

29/08/2026

Flying visit to the Royal British Legion Shipston on Stour’s Summer Fete at Low Furlong - Runwood Homes Senior Living fantastic turn out and a great way to enjoy fantastic stalls whilst dodging the raindrops!

Well done to everyone for pulling together a great event. Still time to make it down there!!

Shipston Community First Responders

22/08/2026

Great to attend the Mayor of Coleshill’s Charity Music Festival today, a fantastic event supporting some brilliant causes.

It also gave me the opportunity to have longer conversations with civic heads from across the north of the county.

Irrespective of your view on Local Government Reorganisation, there is a real risk that splitting Warwickshire between two new unitary authorities could, over time, erode our shared county identity.

I believe there is an opportunity for Warwickshire’s Mayors and Chairs to help preserve that identity, continuing to bring our towns and communities together across new administrative boundaries and championing the history, traditions and civic life we share as one county.

Council structures may change. Warwickshire’s identity need not.

Mayor of Solihull Mayor of North Warwickshire - Councillor Davina Ridley Chair of Warwickshire County Council

04/08/2026

Today was a really proud day for our town, and I was delighted to see Shipston Town Councillor, former Mayor and Community First Responder Tony Booth receive well-deserved recognition at the High Sheriff of Warwickshire's Change Maker Awards, held at Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick and Warwick Castle.

As a Town Councillor, Community First Responder, and former youth leader, Tony exemplifies some of the very best our town has to offer. His commitment to serving others is an inspiration, and I couldn't think of a more deserving recipient.

Among the many outstanding volunteers honoured, I was also pleased to see community champions from further afield recognised, including friends of Shipston, former Mayor of Stratford Kevin Taylor and Chairman of Stratford Town FC Jed McCrory.

Now only in their second year, the Change Maker Awards are already showcasing the very best of Warwickshire and the remarkable people who give so much to their communities.

A huge thank you to the High Sheriff of Warwickshire for the invitation and for organising such a poignant and uplifting celebration of service to others.

Shipston Community First Responders

02/08/2026

What an incredible day at the Battle of Evesham! An astonishing volunteer-led event, over the border in Worcestershire. I was particularly grateful to the one volunteer who nobly stepped up to drive me and the Mayor of Alcester from the park and ride as we’d just missed the bus we needed!

A real thank you to Mayor of Evesham for inviting us along with the other civic heads. The event is a real credit to your town and a poignant reminder of one of the most important moments in our history. Congratulations to Mick Hurst and all the organisers for another successful year!

Evesham Town Council Nigel Huddleston MP

29/07/2026

A really fun way to support an exceptional charity! 🎾

🎾Calling all tennis players! Saturday 5th September sees a Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament in aid of Shipston Home Nursing and Katherine House Hospice. We're so grateful to be one of the chosen charities.

Games will take place in Cherington, Brailes, Sibford and Swalcliffe from 9am, with the semi-final and final in Swalcliffe Lea.

For more information and an entry form, please email [email protected] - entry no later than 25th August.🎾

20/07/2026

Massive congratulations to Glyn and Emma-Jane on the opening of The Lilypad Bookshop!

As educators, it’s wonderful to see them continuing their commitment to young people and learning through this exciting new venture.

As our workplaces become increasingly shaped by technology and AI, the qualities that make us human will only become more valuable. AI can process information, but it cannot truly imagine or create in the way people can. That’s why I believe children’s literature is so important. Books inspire curiosity, creativity and original thinking; qualities that will be at a premium in the years ahead.

A fantastic shop, run by fantastic people. Wishing you both every success. I have no doubt The Lilypad Bookshop will become a real asset to our town.

The Lily Pad Book Shop

18/07/2026

Two hours left of the Shipston Lodge Nursing Home Summer Fete! Some fantastic stalls and activity. Very grateful to be asked by Stour Valley Lions Club to open the fete. Singers, Punch & Judy, Hook a Duck, Raffles, Face Painting, Ice Creams, Name the Teddy and more!

Hook a Duck didn't go my way but my consolation was a guest appearances from Gwen the Goat who may have recognised a relative on the Mayor's chain... Great to see the First Responders and our Shipston PCSOs out in our community too.

The Good Day Farm - On tour Shipston Community First Responders Shipston Police Safer Neighbourhood Team