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 2006.
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:
- 36 x Seats
- 9 x Bus Shelters
- 6 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 organizes 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, it is a fact that Bewdley Town Council and its Councillors 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 2007/08 Bewdley Town Council’s Precept totals £73,760, equivalent to £19.91 p.a. for a Band D Council Tax payer.
In addition Bewdley Town Council should receive a grant from WFDC of 15% of the precept (11,064), and a grant for the upkeep of Churchyards of £2,800.
Bewdley Town Council has budgeted to spend up to £85,624 in 2007/8, made up as follows:
| Salary & Operating Costs | £45,584 |
| Town Maintenance | £18,694 |
| Town Events | £9,750 |
| Training, Mayor's Events & Regalia | £4,806 |
| Civic Ceremonies & Awards | £1,240 |
| Grants to Local Organisations | £4,550 |
| Election Provision | £1,000 |
Bewdley Town Grants
Each year Bewdley Town Council allocates sums of money for grants to local organizations including:
- The Citizen's Advice Bureau
- "The Bridge" Magazine
- The Scouts & Guides
- Bewdley Carnival
- Bewdley Rowing Club
Local organizations 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.
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. 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 is now over 100 years old). 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 Mace bearers, 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 |
| Mace Bearers | Mr. D. Whale |
| Mrs. J. Hart | |
| Mr. R. Underwood | |
| Chaplain | Rev. Keith James |
| Parade Marshall | Mr. J. Le Feuvre |
| Monthly Bewdley Town Council Planning & Meetings | |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 2008 |
| 4th June | 7th January |
| 2nd July | 4th February |
| 30th July | 3rd March |
| 3rd September | 31st March |
| 1st October | 6th May |
| 5th November | 2nd June |
| 3rd December | |
Annual Town Meeting – (The Meeting of the Electorate) Monday 21st April 2008 at 7.00 p.m.
The Annual Meeting (Mayor-Making) will be held on Friday 16th May 2008 At 7.30 p.m.
Planning Meetings normally start at 6.45 p.m. with Bewdley Town Council Meetings following but not starting before 7.30 p.m.
Minutes of all Bewdley Town Council meetings are available in Bewdley Library and on the Bewdley Town Council pages on www.bewdley.org.uk.
- Mayor's Sunday
- 10th June 2007
- Remembrance Sunday
- 11th November 2007