Bewdley Town Council
Bewdley Town Council was formed in 1974 following local government re-organization when most of the assets and responsibilities of the former Borough Council were transferred to the newly formed Wyre Forest District Council.
Bewdley Town Councillors
The present Bewdley Town Council is made up of 13 elected Councillors with 4 Councillors representing Bewdley West and Bewdley East and 5 Councillors representing Wribbenhall. The whole Council comes up for election every 4 years. The last election was held in May 2010.
Bewdley Town Property / Responsibilities
Bewdley Town Council does not own any real property. This was transferred to W.F.D.C. in 1974. It does, however, have exclusive use of a parlour for the Mayor and an office for the Town Clerk. It has use of the Guildhall when necessary for Council Meetings etc.
The following street furniture throughout the town is owned by the Bewdley Town Council:
- 40 x Seats
- 9 x Bus Shelters
- 7 x Lifebuoys
- 10 x Demountable Street Poles
- 10 x Flower Tubs
- Hanging Baskets
- An Events Notice Board
As well as having responsibility for maintaining the Town Clock on St. Anne's Church Tower and the two War Memorials; Bewdley Town Council also organises the installation of the Christmas lights and the Carnival fireworks display.
Whilst much of the day-to-day provision of services is the responsibility of either the County Council or the District Council, Bewdley Town Council and its Councillors, including the Mayor, are actively involved in all matters which affect the town of Bewdley.
Bewdley Town Finances
The main source of Bewdley Town Council's income is from the "Precept" which it is empowered to demand from the electorate and which is collected, on its behalf, through Council Tax bills levied by Wyre Forest District Council.
For 2010/11 Bewdley Town Council’s Precept totals £80,399, equivalent to £21.52 p.a. for a Band D Council Tax payer.
In addition, Bewdley Town Council should receive a grant from WFDC of £10,251 which is 12.75% of the Precept and a further grant of £2,800 for the upkeep of Churchyards in the Town.
Bewdley Town Council has budgeted to spend up to £93,450 in 2010/11, made up as follows:
| Salary & Operating Costs | £48,298 |
| Town Maintenance | £14,366 |
| Town Events | £12,345 |
| Training, Mayor's Events & Regalia | £6,580 |
| Grants to Local Organisations | £9,300 |
| Election Provision | £1,000 |
Bewdley Town Grants
Each year Bewdley Town Council allocates sums of money for grants to local organisations which support the community, including:
- Citizen's Advice Bureau
- Mentor Link
- Bewdley Development Trust
- Community Transport Helpline
- The Scouts & Guides
Local organisations are encouraged to apply. Forms are obtainable from the Bewdley Town Council Clerk and need to be submitted by 30th November.
Bewdley Town Charters
Bewdley Town Council is the proud owner of the town's 3 surviving Charters which bestowed rights and privileges on the citizens of the town by monarchs in the past. The earliest of these is the town's first Charter granted by Edward IV in 1472, following the bravery of the men of Bewdley who fought on his behalf at the battle of Tewkesbury. It is expected that these Charters will be on permanent display in Bewdley Museum from 2009
Bewdley Town Coat-of-Arms
The Coat-of-Arms comprises 4 features:
The ANCHOR represents the fact that Bewdley was a medieval river port of great importance.
The other 3 features are connected with Edward IV and the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1472.
The CLOSED FETTERLOCK (a device for securing horses legs to avoid them running away) was one of the personal badges worn by Edward IV's soldiers to distinguish them in battle.
The SWORD commemorates the Battle of Tewkesbury.
The ROSE was originally the stylised white rose of York but sometime later became a cut red rose in order to provide colour.
Bewdley Town Ceremonials
In May each year Bewdley Town Councillors elect a Town Mayor from amongst their number. This years Mayor is Cllr Paul Gittins and the Deputy Mayor is Cllr Mrs Liz Davies. All the Mayors since 1835 are listed on the Mayoral Boards in the Guildhall.
On ceremonial occasions the Mayor wears the blue robe and Mayor's Chain (which was created in 1897). He/she will normally appoint a Mayoress or Consort who will wear the Mayoress's Chain (presented by the ladies of Bewdley in 1928). At his right hand will be the Town Clerk, dressed in wig and gown. Leading any procession will be the Town Constable, robed and carrying his staff. Immediately behind him, and immediately in front of the Mayor, will be 2 Macebearers, robed and carrying the 2 splendid silver maces which were presented to the town in 1710 by Queen Anne. The Councillors follow the Mayor in their blue robes.
| Hon. Town Constable | Mr. C. Hart |
| Macebearers | Mr. D. Whale |
| Mrs. J. Hart | |
| Mr. R. Underwood | |
| Chaplain | Rev. Keith James |
| Parade Marshall | Mr. Keith Pinwell |
| Monthly Bewdley Town Council Planning & Meetings | |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 |
| 7th June | 4th January |
| 5th June | 7th February |
| 2nd August | 7th March |
| 6th September | 4th April |
| 11th October | 3rd May |
| 1st November | |
| 6th December | |
Remembrance Sunday 14th November 2010
Annual Town Meeting – (The Meeting of the Electorate) Monday 18th April 2011
The Annual Meeting of the Town Council (Mayor-Making) Friday 13th May 2011
Mayor's Sunday 12th June 2011
Planning Meetings normally start at 6.15 p.m. with Bewdley Town Council Meetings following but not starting before 7.30 p.m.
Minutes of all Bewdley Town Council and Planning Committee Meetings are available in Bewdley Library and in the Town Clerk's Office as well as on the Bewdley Town Council pages of www.bewdley.org.uk.
