Despite coronavirus putting a stop to a number of events this year, Bridport's mayor has been quite busy in Dorset's eventful town.

Being Bridport's first citizen has been a bit different for Cllr Ian Bark, who was the town's first virtually appointed mayor and many of his civic duties cancelled from the start due to the coronavirus.

However, he has enjoyed the busiest two weeks since he started and was 'able to attend and lend support to a wide range of wonderful causes'.

He said: "Just when things were starting to settle into a relatively calm 'new normal', wham bam the Covid-19 figures started to take a turn in the wrong direction. The two-week period prior to this was the busiest I have been."

On Sunday, September 13 he attended the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary service at St John's Church in West Bay, organised by the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), Bridport and Lyme Regis Registered Members Group. It was led by RAFA chaplain Rev Janice Moore.

Cllr Bark said: "Sadly, as a result of the restrictions in place due to Covid-19, the congregation was limited by invitation only. It was a very different experience but at the same time it was an extremely moving one.

"I learned that Wing Cdr Paul Farnes passed away in January this year. He was among the 3,000 airmen – The Few – who defended Britain's skies in 1940. His passing marks the final living link we have with those brave young spitfire pilots who fought off the enemy in the skies of southern Britain. We will be forever in their debt and they will not be forgotten."

Although being mayor is serious business, there are times when it is great fun for Cllr Bark as well, such as carrying out the formal opening of the newly constructed tree house at St Mary's Primary School on Monday, September 14.

The tree house was designed by the schoolchildren with town surveyor Daryl Chambers and made by his outdoor works team.

Cllr Bark said: "When I spoke to headteacher Kate Batorska, she told me that, 'everyone in the school is absolutely thrilled with the new addition to the school grounds'."

The construction of the tree house was part of the work by the edible garden team at the school and partners - HOME in Bridport and Transition Town Bridport - with funds coming from the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation provides financial and practical assistance with the aim of making a difference to people's lives.

Cllr Bark added: "Once the formalities were over, I joined the pupils in the tree house to explore it fully. The ramp with non-slip threads provided easy access for an old man like me and the fireman's pole once spotted was the obvious fun way back to ground level.

"I am sure the pupils of St Mary's are going to have many years of fun using this wonderful treehouse."

Unfortunately, Bridport's most historic event, the annual charter fair, was very scaled back this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

Bridport was granted its charter in 1253 and 765 years later, a new charter was signed to make Bridport the first Rights Respecting Town.

One of the celebrations that usually takes place during the day is the awarding of the Charter Fair Trophy.

Cllr Bark had the honour of being able to present this to staff at Bridport Community Hospital, which was accepted by matron Ellen Holmes and accompanied by David Powell of Bridport Rights Respecting, town crier John Collingwood and charter fair chairman Arthur Woodgate.

Cllr Bark said: "During these challenging times, I cannot think of a more deserving recipient than Bridport Community Hospital, a place where people are able to access and receive the best of health care, a place where people matter. I myself have recently benefitted from the highly professional care provided by the dedicated staff."

To mark the charter fair there was live music in Bucky Doo Square on Saturday, September 26 in support of the refurbishment and installation of new play equipment at Brandon's Trail at Bridport Primary School. The trail was installed in 2009 in memory of Brandon Wayland who was diagnosed with cancer when he was three-years-old. He died two years later. The project is being led by Bridport Young Persons Action Trust, also headed by Arthur Woodgate.

Cllr Bark added: "The event was a great success with a range of outstanding local musicians and singers providing the Saturday shopping crowd with some wonderful entertainment as they paused for a few minutes to listen and tap their feet when passing through the square.

"There appreciation was matched by their generosity and I saw numerous people stuffing notes and coins into the collection boxes. All in all, a great success and a credit to Arthur Woodgate and David Powell who pulled the whole thing together."

Although this year's Bridport Charter Fair could not go ahead, Bucky Doo Square and Bridport Arts Centre have been booked for the 2021 event on Saturday, September 25.

Lastly, Cllr Bark was able to enjoy the sold out Roped into Bridport mini music festival, organised by Keith Hatch, Ruthy Ni Connallain, The Ropemakers pub and Bridport Town Council on Saturday, September 20.

It managed to raise around £2,000 for Bridport Community Fridge and Parkinson's UK.

Cllr Bark said: "The event was split over two stages with local acts and Ropemakers' favourites bringing some much-needed live music to Bridport.

"Performers included Dylan Ross, Rosie Smith, Magdalene and the Mystical Birds, John D Revelator, Psychadelephant, Sinful Maggie, Semantics and headline act, Skimmity Hitchers. Herbie Treehead kept the crowd entertained between sets with, amongst other things, a fantasy auction and some very corny and topical jokes.

"Daryl Chambers the town surveyor and his events team once again had the organisation and social distancing measures down to a tee. When I spoke to Daryl to congratulate him on the part his team had played in putting the event on, he said: 'We have always said Bridport is an eventful town with a fantastic community spirit – and today proved it once again, even in times of adversity'."