What is the link between Locks Heath’s Mayor of Fareham, Miss Marple and Last Night of the Proms?

What is the link between Locks Heath’s Mayor of Fareham, Miss Marple and Last Night of the Proms?

I recently met Brian Bayford, Councillor for Park Gate and now also Mayor of Fareham. Brian has served on the Council since May 2002 and was re-elected again in May this year. Like most Councillors Brian holds many positions on the Council including being the new Chairman for the Western Wards Community Action Team (CAT) Committee.

But this isn’t all - it seems our Mayor has famous connections as well as an ear for music.

“I have been interested in music since a very early age. My first 'stage' performance was at the age of 13 when a local amateur group wanted a couple of youngsters - one male, one female.  I joined. The female was in fact Julia McKenzie, who later became very famous in the West End.

“I sing. I have been a member of amateur musical societies in London, Bedford, and Gosport Operatic and until recently South Downe Musical Society. I’ve taken part in 43 shows at the King's Theatre.”

As Mayor, Brian supports three local charities – The Rainbow Centre, for which Brian’s wife Susan was chair until May, Brookfield School’s Global Voices and the local charity for servicemen and women, Toe In The Water. TITW aims to re-inspire those who have sustained traumatic injuries through the challenge of competitive sailing.

“Having been in the Army I wanted to support our servicemen and women and initially contacted Help for Heroes where I was advised that Toe in the Water was based locally and was a very deserving cause.”

To raise money for TITW Brian has organised Last Night of the Proms at Ferneham Hall on 9th October with the Fareham Philharmonic Choir, which has been making music in Fareham for over a hundred years and Spinnaker Brass.

“We regularly see the servicemen and women being 'repatriated' through Wooton Bassett and we know that for every one killed 8 are injured. We should demonstrate our support for our armed forces. Last Night of the Proms with the poignant Finale is a fitting tribute. I hope that the event will be a regular feature for future Civic functions.”

The evening promises to be quite spectacular. Tickets are £12.50, £10.50 and £3.00 for children and can be purchased from Ferneham Hall Box Office on 01329 231942.