Mock Mayor's Day of Giving: Celebrating Community Spirit in Woodstock
- Ed Creasey
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
On Sunday, 12th October, the Woodstock Bowls and Tennis Club hosted a wonderful celebration of community spirit. Following the July elections of Dom Kingsmill-Stocker as Mock Mayor, and Poppy Thompson as Junior Mock Mayor (democracy at its finest!), Dom presented over £2000 in donations to four local organisations. While the Mayor may be "mock," the generosity of our community is very real indeed.
The Woodstock Lunch Club: A Legacy Since the War
Lisa Taylor from the Lunch Club shared the story of an organisation that's been "running since the war" – a legacy even our Mock Mayor has to tip his top hat to! With a small team and dedicated volunteers, the club serves around 24 guests every other Wednesday.
The £500 donation enables special experiences beyond the dining table: afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace, lunch outings, and Christmas presents for all guests. "We're very focused on the figures to make sure we're going to keep running into the future," Lisa explained, ensuring this vital service continues for years to come.
"The most important people are volunteers who actually serve cooked meals, wash up in the kitchen, and greet our guests. Please keep spreading the word and we hope it continues for many more years."
The Singing Group: Nine Years of Joy
Tessa and Paul accepted a cheque for a group approaching its tenth anniversary. After the
social club closed, they found a perfect home at St Mary Magdalene Church and the Baptist Church, welcoming singers who come for one simple reason: fun!
"The first thing people say is 'I've got a terrible voice,'" the organiser smiled. "It doesn't matter at all." This isn't Britain's Got Talent – it's about joy, not perfection. One Stonesfield couple has only missed two sessions in nine years! They create songbooks with familiar tunes and use professionally recorded backing tracks to keep things sustainable.
"This isn't Britain's Got Talent – it's about joy, not perfection"
The Bereavement Cafe: A Space for Healing
Rector Sarah Bourne and Alicia Wild accepted £500 on behalf of the Bereavement Cafe, founded by curate Gemma Ferrier (who couldn't attend – a curate meeting waits for no one, not even mock dignitaries!). Meeting every Friday, this growing group provides a safe space for those navigating grief.
Their December Carol service is designed for those who find Christmas challenging. The donation will fund courses for attendees, with speakers already lined up.
"We're very pleased to have the money because we haven't really had any funds before."
The Cherwell Collective: Sustainability Meets Community
Dr Emily Connally shared an inspiring vision of community support meeting environmental action. She confessed she "didn't know much about the Mock Mayor" before (sounds like a case for Mock Court next year!)
"Every time you wear something from the back of your wardrobe, you're making a big difference to the planet," she explained. With enough clothing to dress six generations, and production lines causing 80% of climate change, keeping items in circulation matters.
Touching 30,000 lives annually through Harvest at Home (growing food), Cherwell Larder (distributing food), Climate Action Kitchen (transforming food waste), Innovation Station (sustainable fashion), and Oxford Party Library (borrowing party supplies).
The £1000 will fund monthly pop-up diners throughout winter, bringing hot soups and meals to areas of deprivation.
"What you're doing is really incredible, I'm really grateful you want to invest this way."
Making a Real Difference
While the Mock Mayor's role is ceremonial, the impact of these organisations is genuine. As Dom noted while presenting cheques: "The title may be mock, but the need is real!" The Mock Mayor summed it up perfectly
How You Can Help
Know someone who might benefit? All groups welcome new members
Spread the word – share these stories
Continue supporting – donations make the magic happen
Think sustainably – borrow, share, and reuse
Everyone's welcome – no special credentials required
The Lunch Club meets every other Wednesday, the Singing Together Group welcomes singers aged 60+ to Saint Mary Magdalene Church, the Bereavement Cafe meets on Fridays, and the Cherwell Collective welcomes all visitors. Contact these organisations to attend, volunteer, or support their vital work.
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