Extraordinary People

On Friday 22nd November, the Mayor of Bourne hosted the annual charity gala dinner at Bourne Corn Exchange. I was honoured to act as Host for the Mayor. Below is a copy of my welcome speech.

Good evening to all friends, whether long-standing or newly met. My name is Rhys Baker, and I am not important. It is my honour and privilege to formally welcome you to this Charity Dinner, hosted by the Mayor of Bourne, Cllr Helen Crawford.

I was delighted to be invited by Helen to act as Master of Ceremonies for this event. I’m sure there are those seated now who – given my propensity to wax lyrical and turn silence into stranger with ceaseless musings – are worried if we will ever get to dinner. I talk a lot, don’t I Cllr Fellows? Put your mind at ease – our town clerk, Ian Sismey, is timing events and has permission to take strict action, perhaps with a tazer, to keep the evening flowing.

Dyke Village Hall

That to one side, This evening is not about me. It is about extraordinary people. It is about you. This evening you are going to do something extraordinary. It’s true. You may be thinking ‘Rhys, you don’t know me. How do you know what I am going to do?’  I may not know each of you. But I feel confident. I know you will do something extraordinary.

The two Charities Helen is sponsoring this civic year as Mayor of Bourne do extraordinary things. The Butterfield Centre is based at 2 North Street. They support some of the most vulnerable people in our community with Dementia Care, Home help for the elderly or disabled, and a community pantry. They host Bourne’s foodbank and just this week publicised warm packs to help residents stay warm over the colder months. They are incredibly welcoming and a wonderful place to volunteer your time.

Dyke Village Hall provides a community space for family gatherings, clubs and social events. They provide a warm hub for the community and organise the big picnic on the green. Blessed with a rural location, this facility is the centre of community and diligently run by a team of committed volunteers.

Charity is love—not just earthly love or temporary love, but the pure love of Christ. Charity is so important that we must have it in our lives. It is not just nice to possess charity; it is essential. Sister Elaine Jack

Most people pass these buildings without a second look. Some may walk by every day and not think about the good work these worthy causes do, out of sight and without seeking the limelight. That is understandable. That is normal. That is ordinary.

You what to know how I know you are extraordinary? Because you didn’t walk past. You attended this charity dinner. You have already decided to support these causes. And that makes you extraordinary. And I know, having made that extraordinary first step, that we will see extraordinary generosity. Extraordinary donations. Extraordinary charity.

To quote Sister Elaine Jack: “Charity is love—not just earthly love or temporary love, but the pure love of Christ. Charity is so important that we must have it in our lives. It is not just nice to possess charity; it is essential.” So I will leave you with that message as I now invite Father Stephen to the microphone…to say Grace…and invite a moment of reflection.

In our diversity lies our strength, and in our traditions, a common thread that weaves us together.

TOAST: Friends. We have reached the more traditional part of our evening, the toasts. There are those who question or doubt the place of tradition in our 21st Century lives. Those who, perhaps, in pursuit of progress or change, may forget heritage or custom.

My view is that tradition brings us together. Tradition binds us as communities. Tradition is the birthplace of our values, and the lodestone to navigate change.

So as I rise with the responsibility and honour of giving the Royal Toast, I am aware that there may be friends at this charity dinner with different attitudes to my own. For those friends, I ask you to focus instead on our community rising as one, speaking with one voice recognizing that in our diversity lies our strength, and in our traditions, a common thread that weaves us together. It is with this sentiment that I offer the Royal Toast.

While I played only a small part in this evening, it was fantastic to see attendees donate £949 for Dyke Village Hall and The Butterfield Centre to continue their excellent work in our community. I'm delighted so many turned out at Helen's invitation and shows the high regard so many hold her in.

Call to action - Can you support our Charities?

Dyke Village Hall	The Butterfield Centre
Host an event, gathering or party at the Hall?	Volunteer at the community pantry?
Advertise in the Dyke Village Hall newsletter?	Donate (money or food) to support vulnerable families
Attend an event at Dyke Village Hall?	Attend a charity event hosted by the Centre