When beginning their term of office, every new Mayor wants to do their best to raise as much money as possible to benefit organisations within the community.
This was indeed the case when Councillor Derek Kimber took on the role in May last year. But even Derek had no idea when he set off just how much money he would finally be distributing to worthwhile causes.
When elected each new Mayor chooses one or more charities to support during their Mayoral Year and, in May 2008, on becoming Gosport’s First Citizen, Derek chose Lee Community Responders; the Training Section for the Gosport Silver Band and an organisation very dear to his heart, the Falkland Veterans Foundation, to be the beneficiaries of any money he raised.
As usual the Mayor’s Charity fundraisers – The Gosporteers, a terrific group of volunteers who make it their job to organise events to raise money for the Mayors Charities, set about organising a Car Rally, Carnival, Michaelmas Fayre and concert, for which Derek and his three charities are eternally grateful.
Derek also organised several events himself, including a couple of Wine Tasting Evenings and a Black Tie Dinner, which added to the Charity Fund. But what really made an incredible difference to the amount of money raised, and the staggering number of organisations helped, was the sad death of local businessman and former Gosport Councillor, Stephen Howell.
Stephen was well known in the Borough as a man who could turn a sad and neglected part of the town, such as the former empty Kelly’s Hotel, into a bright new and useable area. Stephen spent his life trying to improve the Borough for the people who lived there, something he continued to do after his death through a legacy left to the town’s Mayor.
The money given was to be used in supporting organisations in the Borough. This generous bequest, together with donations, money raised by the Mayor himself and the Gosporteers allowed Derek not only to support his three chosen charities, but to support a further twenty four organisations. Those helped include:-
17th Century Village - £300.00
Lee-on-the-Solent Guides - £350.00
Rowner Guides - £380.00
Multiple Sclerosis - £400.00
Gosport Sea Cadets - £400.00
Gosport Scouts - £400.00
Shopmobility - £400.00
Gosport Disability - £400.00
Girl Guides - £400.00
GAFIRS - £400.00
Club Hampshire - £400.00
LOTS Voluntary Care - £400.00
IKANGO - £400.00
War Memorial Hospital League of Friends - £400.00
Radio Haslar - £400.00
Bivol Trust - £400.00
Just Kids - £450.00
Motiv8 South Ltd - £500.00
Lutman Day Centre - £500.00
Harbour Cancer Support - £500.00
Goshawks Gymnastic Club - £600.00
Thorngate Pantomime & Variety Group - £1000.00
Northcott House - £1200.00
Thorngate Hall - £2000.00
This, together with the:-
First Responders receiving - £4000.00
Training Section Gosport Silver Band - £10000.00
Falkland Veterans Foundation - £11000.00
meant that just short of £38,000 was distributed throughout the community, to provide everything from specialised mattresses for the elderly and infirm to replacement canoes and microphones to allow youngsters to entertain others, to improvements to several buildings.
“I had an absolutely fabulous time as Mayor and Pat and I met and were welcomed and entertained by so many people and groups, it was amazing,” said Councillor Derek Kimber. “So to end the year by being able to give something back, to help others continue their good works, brings me immense happiness. “I also hope it brings comfort to Stephen’s family knowing that his good work and kind and generous nature has helped others through his wonderful donation.”
