Great Dunmow mayor Patrick Lavelle's column on what is happening in the town.

As we enter the summer holiday season and following the rupture to our community caused by the lockdowns, Great Dunmow Town Council has been working to arrange a variety of activities and events for everyone.

Through July and August there is a photographic competition on the theme of ‘Delightful Dunmow’.

The Council are inviting entries of your photos taken in Dunmow during this summer showing what makes Dunmow a delight for you.

Entry conditions are available from the Town Council with the winners recognised at the Town Civic Service in October and their photographs displayed around the town.

Concerts

The Dunmow Town Band co-ordinated by Andy King is holding a series of impromptu concerts in the Town Square, outside the Co-op.

We have already enjoyed several performances where passers-by have listened and danced along. Keep an eye on Facebook for dates and times for the performances.

Dunmow Broadcast: The poster for this summer's Music on the Town Square in Great Dunmow, co-ordinated by Andy KingThe poster for this summer's Music on the Town Square in Great Dunmow, co-ordinated by Andy King (Image: Andy King)

Post boxes

Around the town there are always things of interest to see and do.

We have thoroughly enjoyed the decorative post box covers knitted by Kathleen Shannon and Jackie Monk.

Dunmow Broadcast: One of the Royal Mail post boxes transformed with knitting and crocheting in Great Dunmow, showing Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medal winner Tom DaleyOne of the Royal Mail post boxes transformed with knitting and crocheting in Great Dunmow, showing Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medal winner Tom Daley (Image: Kathleen Shannon and Jackie Monk)

It is hard to choose a favourite knit. For me it’s between the Christmas Penguins and Tom Daley’s gold at the Olympics but please let us know your favourites.

Dunmow Broadcast: Christmas fun in Great Dunmow with penguins on the Post BoxChristmas fun in Great Dunmow with penguins on the Post Box (Image: Patrick Lavelle)

Junior Fishing

On August 8 and 15, Cllr Peter Noble and the Dunmow Piscatorial Society are providing Junior Fishing tuition at the Doctor's Pond.

Dunmow Broadcast: Archive image from 2019: Charlotte Wittingham catching a large fish over the Doctor's Pond in Great DunmowArchive image from 2019: Charlotte Wittingham catching a large fish over the Doctor's Pond in Great Dunmow (Image: Cllr Peter Noble)

A short teach- in will be followed by hands on training from top local anglers which hopefully will develop a lifelong passion for a great sport.

Summer Market

We have already had our Summer Solstice Sundowner Festival in June, the Teddy Bears Picnic and the Rotary Young Musicians concert in July.

We are now looking forward to the Summer Market in Dunmow High Street on Saturday August 14.

This will feature a treasure hunt, live music and stalls from local businesses and traders and there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

After the trauma of the last 16 months and with the Covid-19 restrictions easing there are lots of opportunities to get together in Dunmow.

Come along to support our local businesses, take part in the different activities on offer and enjoy the benefits of your lively and vibrant market town.