Council chairman hands over almost £14k to chosen charities

Cheques for almost £14,000 have been handed over by Central Bedfordshire Council chairman Cllr David Bowater to his chosen charities from money raised through independent donations during his first year in office.
Cllr David Bowater and Teresa Strange, Regional Fundraiser, Diabetes UKCllr David Bowater and Teresa Strange, Regional Fundraiser, Diabetes UK
Cllr David Bowater and Teresa Strange, Regional Fundraiser, Diabetes UK

He presented cheques for £12,500 to Diabetes UK and £1,250 to Multiple Sclerosis in Bedfordshire.

The donations are the result of the last 12 months’ work when Cllr Bowater and Cllr Caroline Maudlin, deputy executive member for social care and housing, jointly raised funds and awareness for the chairman’s charities.

In May, Cllr Bowater was re-elected as chairman for a second and final term in office, with Cllr Fiona Chapman MBE again his deputy.

Considering the year ahead, he said: “I am grateful to be given another opportunity to work with the community, council staff and councillors to make Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work.

“As an ambassador for the council, I look forward representing the authority on civic visits, at ceremonial events, as well as raising funds and awareness for my chosen charity – which this year is Meningitis Research. I will continue to devote my time to meeting many residents, local organisations and businesses and also to my charitable work.”