Hello Beckworth. I hope this message finds you well, it is a reminder that this bank holiday Monday (tomorrow) your adored town council will be hosting the annual Beckworth MayDay Fish Race on the fast-flowing River Winnet. If we have a sunny day it promises to be a wonderous fun morning for most of the family. But I must advise you to please remember to keep all cats and caged, fish-eating, birds indoor. We don’t want a repeat of when Robson Green‘s winning goldfish Rose was maimed by a tabby and had to be put down (luckily just after the medals were given out).

If all competitors could please bring their race-prepared fishes (You should all have been issued with your race colours and unique numbers to paint on the sides of your aquatic entry) to the Pamela Anderson Memorial Room in the library at 9:30 for the weigh-in. The race will start at 10.45 sharp from the Ginsters Bridge, and the starter this year will be local restaurant critic, and one of TV’s favourite historical-food people, Giles Coran (who has told me his favourite historical fish is fish fingers).

Please keep an eye on weather forecasts, if it is stormy the race will take place in Beckworth High School’s swimming pool. Thanking you most warmly. Aashif Ackworth. Mayor. Beckworth Town Council