A civic event with a difference took place at the Meridian Centre in Withernsea last week.
Town mayor Jacqui Blackburn, whose slogan all year has been Withernsea Working Together, invited local groups and organisations from across the town and beyond to the event on Friday, February 24.
Cllr Blackburn invited nearly 30 teams to her Civic Quiz and Pie and Pea evening. Guests included representatives from the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
Also invited were local dancing groups, walking groups, the Withernsea Carnival committee, Churches, Women’s Institute, and other activity groups. In total, 28 teams turned up and squeezed on to the Meridian Centre top floor.
Welcoming the teams, Cllr Blackburn said the idea of the event was to thank all those who get out there and do good for the town and those who keep us safe.
She said: “It was my way of thanking them and making the civic event inclusive for local people.”
Cllr Blackburn also invited local councils from the wider region to encourage closer relations in these hard economic times.
Teams from Hedon, Holmpton and Patrington attended, as well as the deputy mayor and consort of Hornsea.
The entertainment was conducted by Kevin Hough. Cllr Ian Blackburn said: “He was wearing a splendid colourful jacket, and he kept the teams very well tested throughout the evening with the questions on a large screen.”
The food was provided by Paul Whitehead and his team from the Castle Café. Finally, there was a raffle that boasted good prizes.
The aim of the evening was to raise money for the mayor’s charity, Withernsea RNLI, and the Friends of Withernsea Lighthouse.
The evening concluded with the announcement that the attendees had raised £597 – and, with a final donation, the total became £600.
The quiz was won by the team from Hedon Town Council, and Hornsea’s deputy mayor said the idea was so good that they hoped to do a similar event in the town next year.
Cllr Ian Blackburn added: “It was such a friendly event, allowing so many in the community to get together and have some fun.
“It’s a pity that the reporters from the Sun and Mirror, who recently wrote such rubbish about our town, did not turn up. They would have seen how wrong they were.
“But the event showed what good community spirit there is in Withernsea. An event with a difference that really worked well and showed off the town at its best.”
