Another New Year' flying by!

Some of you may have noticed that I’ve been doing these brief insights into the life of a councillor roughly every two months.  Unfortunately January for me was a wipe out as I came down with a serious bout of the flu, so I’m a little behind!  So in this blog post I will include items of interest (at least I hope they are!) from both before Christmas and in February.

In November besides the usual meetings there was still a final flurry of General Licensing to clear up the backlog, but December saw three events of note.  The annual Lantern Parade which walks round the streets starting from the Phoenix Centre was held on 3rd, and very well attended.  On the 9th I went to only my second governors meeting at Gors Community School, so still feel very much a ‘newbie’, and on the 16th saw me at a totally new event when I went to a celebration for 54 years of Bangladesh.  The latter was quite amazing, with what was a chapel now a venue dedicated to the Bangladesh community, absolutely packed full, with numerous speeches often not in English, but wonderfully colourful.  I though the presentation of prizes would never end!

Over the last few years there has been money available to support new play facilities across the city.  In the ward I represent February saw the refurbished skate park at the Phoenix Centre took another step forward, and my ward colleagues and I have discussed with officers setting up a simple Pump Track on a bit of wasteground which is already being used by kids as one with their own made mounds. 


Meanwhile throughout I’ve attended my ‘regulars’, health permitting, such as full council, and my monthly surgeries.  In addition I may well have mentioned before that as a member of the council’s Trustees board we have a couple of pots of money to help out families with urgent requests for household goods which they simply cannot afford.  I feel very humbled when I read their circumstances, and grateful for my own good fortune.

Les

Some the same, and some different

As well as the usual regular meetings over the past two months there have been a couple of different events …

All volunteers in Swansea were again invited to a Thank You lunch which included the Friends of group I belong to, Mayhill Washing Lake and Community Food Garden.  The event was well attended, a chance to chat to other volunteers, not too many speeches and an excellent spread laid on for us.  

All three of us Townhill councillors will go round the ward on our own from time to time but once in a while we go together.  On this occasion it was partly to check on the basics – litter hotspots, potholes etc – but also on the lookout for any projects we could be spending our community budget on.  Over the years we have been able to help pay for the new health centre, play areas across the ward, flower troughs and daffodils in the Spring, and are now putting some of it towards an upgrade for the skate park at the Phoenix Centre.

And when it comes to meetings there has been an absolute deluge of those looking at taxi licensing requests.  Apparently a backlog of new applications & renewals had built up over the summer, due to circumstances beyond the control of officers, so lately rather than just one a month it has increased to virtually one a week!  


Les

Fairly quiet but with another new role

Having been confirmed as governor at Gors Community School I attended my first meeting in July, and found myself agreeing to take part in a complaint hearing – talk about going in at the deep end!  But I do hope that I can play an active role on the board, particularly increasing involvement with the local community.  

Very pleased to say that our Friends of group yet again got the Green Flag Community Award, now 7 years in a row.  Thanks as ever goes to the stalwart core of volunteers who carry on doing their bit, and more – much much more!

Over the two months I have had all the usual meetings, and managed to attend both of my monthly surgeries.  And even though August is usually virtually free actually had not one but two licensing committees.  Not surprising as you can never plan how many cases will arise in any month, sometimes none but this time just too many for one meeting.

At it was an absolute pleasure to go and see the newly painted mural at the Phoenix centre, a joint project initiated by the police who provided the funding, but designed and carried out by local young people.  So inspiring!


Les

A long time in politics

Apologies for missing my regular bi-monthly councillor blog end of April - I don’t know where the last four months have gone!  So here’s 4 months worth …

From March onwards there were all the usual council meetings, Governance & Audit (G&A), Licensing, Local Policing, Trustees, Social Care & Tackling Poverty (SCTP), Equalities group (SEFG), and council itself.  And in the community I held my monthly surgeries, and attended other meetings such as for the Phoenix Centre trust, Mayhill Community Centre, Dylan Thomas Community School’s governor’s meeting, and our local Friends of group. 

In April the subcommittee I sit on which looks at how best to use the lighting for the Guildhall to recognise the wide variety of groups in Swansea met this month.  There are so many requests from our widely diverse groups across Swansea, everything from armed forces to Chinese New Year so from time to time we review the list to be as fair as possible, especially when responding to new requests.
This month also saw some streets in the ward taking part in a new waste management trial in collecting other plastic that cannot go in the usual pink bags.  I fully support this initiative as in my view anything that helps clear away unsightly & often unhealthy rubbish from our streets has to be a good thing.

I attended our annual ceremonial council in May, carried out with much pomp & tradition, with invited guests including the High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant, and the Lord Mayor’s chosen chaplain.  I always feel that the original council chamber in the Guildhall, with its formal layout and furnishings, is exactly the right setting for such an event.  

And two notable community events which I went to were the now regular annual Phoenix Funday, well attended and a good day out for all local families who came.  Also the official opening of Gors Avenue Play Area where we gave out goody bags to the children from Gors Community School (GCS) who definitely enjoyed trying out the new equipment.

June saw a very varied month for other activities, starting with visiting Ynystawe Primary School as vice chair of Trustees to see how they had used money from a recently accessed fund to provide a community reading room – very impressed with the pupil friendly layout, and diversity of books available.
Also I had the opportunity to sing the praises, in the main, of Swansea when attending the session organised by the Welsh Local Government Association – the feedback from the peer local authority asking the questions was very encouraging.
Another very interesting session I went was looking at declaring some new Local Nature Reserves across the city, including Hillside which would cross Townhill ward.  This would incorporate the area our Friends of group currently cover, which may well secure a positive future for some time to come.
I attended Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony at the Rotunda.  This was the start of a week recognising all armed forces, currently serving, retired and those lost in times of conflict.
As Diversity Champion I attended the LGBTQ+ forum meeting.  This followed on from the excellent Pride parade along St Helens Road, and the event in & outside the Brangwyn Hall, held earlier in the year.
I’m already governor on DTCS but have also joined the board at GCS which feeds into the senior school.  On the last day of June attended my first training session on the process of dealing with staff Disciplinary hearings, the first of many no doubt.

On a final note, a letter to the local paper recently gave the impression that door knocking was the only way we as councillors get feedback from the electorate.  Hopefully anyone who has read my blog will realise that we have other ways such holding regular surgeries where residents can raise issues, and public meetings, drop-in sessions, surveys, or petitions, to find out views on a particular issue.  We do our best to take those views into account when deciding what action to take, but obviously cannot what always do what a resident wants us to.  As my Dad used to say we can’t please all the people all of the time!

Les

More than just council meetings

Over the last few years Swansea Council have been able to provide many more

play areas. Townhill has certainly benefited, and it was lovely to attend the official opening of another one in the ward at Longridge.  We were joined by children who once given the go ahead obviously enjoyed trying out all the play equipment.

As well as my usual committee meetings, I attended two scrutiny working groups including one which looked at how we engage with the public.  These are usually take up just the one session – a snapshot of what’s happening at the time, and a chance to suggest any possible improvements.

It’s always good to react positively when prompted by a resident.  This was the case when one commented on Facebook which led to doing a street surgery along their road.  This is where we, as councillors, call on residents rather than where they come to us such as in the Phoenix Centre.  I’ve always found it a positive experience, as we are offering help, and reminding them how to get hold of us if they need it in the future.

Les

Another year comes to a close

It’s already a week into January so not too long an account going back to the start of November.

All the usual cropped up, including my monthly surgery, plus local policing, Audit, Trustees, and the Equality Board.  As well as that meeting, I’m also on its subcommittee which decides on the theme of the illumination of the Guildhall, using different coloured lighting to celebrate events such as Remembrance.  

Had two ‘trios’.  Just by chance General Licensing met three Friday’s in a row!  And also three bites if the cherry with the Friends of group.  Our AGM welcomed a new committee member, then attended a site visit to find out at long last how to lower the flag pole at the pond in order to check the camera, and as usual we had a stall at the Green Fair – good way of promoting our group and supporting the environment.

At the final council of the year all councillors responded to the traditional request to wear festive apparel and donate towards the Lord Mayor’s charities.  A colourful way to finish off 2024.

Les

Autumn Calling Again

Lots of regulars over the two months, including finally managing to attend the Hill Community Development Trust meeting in the Phoenix Centre after not being able to get to for a few months.  They do such good work for the community I feel only right that I do my bit to help support them.

Another ‘regular’ had a new twist, October’s council meeting.  I attend most meetings online but council is the one which I feel I should be there in person.  However I was actually having a few days away so joined via Teams, the system the council uses.  Interestingly even though miles away and in a caravan surrounded by mountains, the connection was fine, better in fact than it often is when in Swansea!

And pleased to be back on another ‘regular’, the Social Care & Tackling Poverty committee, which for some reason I was taken off this back in May.  This takes a proactive look at what we can do in this area, and I have always considered tackling poverty to be so important.

Although I’ve now been on the Governance & Audit committee for quite a while I still make the effort to get to any training that’s put on, and there’s been quite a few sessions lately.  There’s always something new to learn, or a subtlety that you’ve not spotted before.

The council has been able to provide more funding for one-off community initiatives to provide more skateboard parks across the city.  The Phoenix Centre currently has a small one which is looking pretty tired, so very pleased to attend a meeting to kick off plans for a brand new park.  

A special event I attended with Jeff and other members of Townhill’s Friends of Mayhill Washing Lake & Community Food Garden was a Thank You Afternoon Tea in the Brangwyn Hall.  There are lots of community groups across Swansea many of which are Friends of groups which have proved very successful over the years.  These volunteers have done sterling work, so only right their efforts have been recognised.

Les

Summer Season

 A busy July off an on, including attending an online session on the regional transport plan. 
As transport doesn’t just sit neatly within the boundaries of one local authority but of course  interconnects with others, this is taking the logical approach by viewing any plan for the future on a regional perspective.

Jeff came with me to the Family Funday at TOPIC House.  Members of Circus Eruption were there to entertain the children (& adults!).  Held in the garden partly to review how to make use of it for growing flowers & vegetables, it was well attended despite the on/off rain.  They even had a couple of goats!

To fit in with my Diversity Champion hat, I find it far easier to attend the LGBTQ+ Forum meetings now they are held online.  And this meeting was so positive it was well worth be there.

Other than that was the usual mix of other meetings & events, including Licensing, two committees which in part look at tackling poverty, and Governance & Audit training – we’ve been having quite a few sessions and whilst refreshers for me still very useful.

August, whilst normally a quieter month, still had some council work, starting with a Trustees meeting, but as it happens we do a lot now is by email.  The dedicated officer has been working hard at opening up access to more of the funding from legacies left in the past which have become dormant.  Two funds I’m especially pleased about both give one-off support to those financially struggling, usually families where it means both parents and children benefit.  It is so gratifying to be able to make even just a small difference, and I feel very fortunate that I am able to do so simply by being on this committee.

Les

From Council to Campaigning

May is the time we have the council’s annual general meeting (AGM), followed by the ceremonial council where the new Lord Mayor and their deputy get sworn in on the next day.  It always pleasantly surprises me how councillors rise to the challenge of carrying the Mayor’s duties, much of it as ambassador for the council out & about the people.

In May I also attended some of the ‘regulars’, such as Local Policing – still proving to be a great way of keeping in touch, and working with the police – the management team who run the Phoenix Centre who provide such a useful service to the community, and the Equality group who look at ensuring the council carries out its duties in an even handed manner.   

Then, like buses, no elections for ages then two come along!  Of course the one for the next regional Police Commissioner had been planned for some time, but the General Election came out of the blue as a snap decision by the then Prime Minister.  Early days for both so we will have to wait and see how they pan out.

Les

Promising Projects and more

As well as the usual meetings progress has been made on a couple of projects:
 - Firstly the tired play area in front of the Phoenix Centre has had a complete overhaul, with a vastly improved surface and lots of play equipment.  The three of us local councillors attended the official opening ceremony in March, with lots of children making good use of what’s on offer.
 - The second ongoing project is to green up Graiglwyd roundabout and now the funding has been confirmed it’s definitely going ahead.  The idea is to ensure plants & trees are low maintenance whilst still making the area more attractive.

This is now my 5th year as the representative from Governance & Audit on to a sub-committee, where I help prepare the Annual Governance Statement, a very wordy lengthy report aiming to show that the council’s work has been carried out properly.  Over the years I have developed a key role as I seem to be very good at spotting date errors!

Other events and meetings in brief:
 - wore something purple to council in early March to recognise International Women’s Day
 - attended two sessions so far looking at future development across the city
 - went online for the local policing meeting, which has always been a very useful way of being kept uptodate on police activity in the ward, and to raise any issues face to face
 - at my March surgery in the Phoenix Centre met up with the latest PCSO recruited to the area

Les

New Beginings

Fairly quiet on the standard meetings front in January but a couple of events to mention …

Firstly, although disappointed I wasn’t able to get to the event myself, I always support recognising Holocaust Day.  From feedback I’ve had the session went very well with inspirational speakers still reminding us of the importance not to forget this damning part of history.

I also attended a briefing on the future for the council’s local development plan, a hefty document taking into account all issues around future developments in particular housing.  Since then I have also joined the working group looking at this in more details.   

February has made progress on two environmental projects in the offing, and which I certainly hope both take off …

As I’ve mentioned before we’ve been looking at making improvements to the roundabout off Graiglwyd Road, and in February had a drop-in session in the Phoenix Centre.  The response was really encouraging with not a single negative comment.  The funding is there, and the plans are being finalised, so it’s all looking promising.

And also as mentioned previously, regarding the goats grazing project, the Community Farm in Swansea has suggested that we make use of an area along the Hillside corridor.  They would organise the project, and train any volunteers who express an interest in taking it on.

Towards the end of the month it was good to see what some of the young people, who attend Dylan Thomas Community School where I am governor, can contribute doing their bit out in the community.  Flip the Streets is an organisation which tries to combat hate messages such as used in graffiti, and as part of it got some pupils together to do a mural aimed at discouraging this kind of behaviour.

Les

2023 draws to a close

 I attended a smattering of briefings & training sessions including one on personal safety which is sadly is becoming increasingly important.  Triggered initially by the awful murder of MP Jo Cox, more and more politicians are being targeted so obviously it’s sensible to be aware of our surroundings, and follow simple rules like avoiding dark areas, not being on our own.   
Another was on cyber training, highlighting the potential issues should any of us fall foul to a cyber attack.  An example was given as to how this had happened to an authority in England, and its far reaching consequences which were still being felt three years on.  
And the Unity over Division Awareness session was extremely helpful for me as Diversity Champion.  It gave me a lot more clarity as to why the council had signed up to this pledge, my role in applying it, and how it applies to all staff, in particular how to recognise comments which are not banter and that they need to be challenged.

I went to the usual council meetings although the December one was brightened up considerably with all the Christmas jumpers.  I of course stuck to my black ‘Bah Humbug’ hat!

I’m very pleased to say that our monthly meetings with the local policing team still prove very worthwhile, and it was also useful to get together with a new PCSO at my last surgery in December.  Long may this really positive set up between councillors and the police continue.

The Friends of group again attended the Green Fare in November.  It seemed a lot busier than in previous years, and Guess the Weight of our own grown vegetable, this year a pumpkin, proved a winner yet again.

I think one of the loveliest events of the year is the Lantern Parade which is a walk from & around the Phoenix Centre.  In the weeks leading up to it children of all ages make lanterns with paper and a simple stick frame with a light inside.  It is so effective, and it’s always a pleasure joining them at the start.


Les

Autumn Calling

Across the ward there have been quite a few proposals cropping up over the last two months.  We’ve been told of a possible solution to the ongoing parking issues around Seaview School, and we’ve had one meeting with another planned to consider using a grant to help green up Graiglwyd Roundabout and possibly around the shop railings opposite.  Maybe the most and most interesting is the idea of setting up a goat project – early stages as no actual site been suggested for Townhill yet so watch this space!

That time of year again for Dylan Thomas Community School’s governors AGM, a fairly short and sweet affair.  And managed to get to monthly litterpick and general tidy up at the pond in October, a nice sunny afternoon.

The highlight at October’s surgery was spotting football manager Harry Redknapp in the café at the Phoenix Centre.  Apparently he is doing a grass roots football documentary, and it was good to see how he took time with anyone who approached him.  I’m sure lots of visitors to the centre will now be proud owners of Harry Redknapp Selfies!

And I’ve attended most of my usual committee meetings including council, licensing, and the one which often has the longest agenda, Governance & Audit - definitely an endurance test this last one!

Les

Summer Season

 As mentioned in previous blog here’s two month’s worth ie for July & August …

July saw all the usual committee meetings come and go including our monthly Friends of group meeting.  All chuffed to bits on hearing that we had been awarded the Green Flag Community Award for the 5th year running.

These ‘regulars’ were followed by a handful of one-offs including …
 - attending a school governors meeting to confirm the permanent appointment of head Paul Davies at Dylan Thomas Community School, who in my humble opinion has been doing an inspirational job there.  So well pleased that he’s not going anywhere!
 - participating in Licensing Safeguarding training online which was very interesting, and especially important for emphasising the role of our committee in making sure that taxi drivers across the city are ‘fit & proper’.

In contrast August has been quieter partly as we were away for a lot of it, but also as not many meetings are held in this month.  However I had a licensing sub committee meeting, which generally start with a briefing then the applicants join the meeting.  It should have started at 9.15, but because of technical issues finally got off the ground at 11.15, and in the end was almost a formality as the main issue had been sorted out between applicant and officers in the interim.  If only they were all so straightforward! 
In addition I still held my monthly surgery in the Phoenix Centre – don’t usually get many takers but like to think it’s worth it as people get to see me out in the community.  And went to an excellent fun day also in the Phoenix Centre.  Claim to fame that day?  See photo of me with Lee Trundle, ex Swans footballer, now excellent ambassador for the club.

Les

Rather than trying (and failing!) to do these every month I’m now going to give bi-monthly a go.  Fingers crossed!  So just had a look at the meetings and other activities I’ve attended over the last couple of months and quite surprised at how many and how varied they have been:

the ‘regulars’
- Governance & Audit Committee, and its subcommittee the Strategic Governance Group
- Financial Inclusion Steering Group, organisations across Swansea, alongside the council, supporting residents so they can get the financial and any other help they are entitled to
- Local Policing
- General Licensing, to consider taxi licences
- Statutory Licensing Subcommittee, to consider varying a venue’s licence agreement
- Council Annual General Meeting
- catch-up meeting with housing staff and our ward local area co-ordinator
- Surgeries, Phoenix Centre Café, to meet any residents who want to raise an issue
- Governors Meeting, Dylan Thomas Community School, usual term meeting
- Hill Community Development Trust, supporting the Phoenix Centre management team
- Equalities Board, takes a broad look at the work of the council to ensure a diverse and open culture
- Trustees, where we now have a pot of money which we can use to help those affected by domestic violence
- Corporate Services and Financial Resilience STC, to work on providing a stable financial future for the council

and not so 'regular'
- two site visits Site visits, Waun Wen Road, to confirm the environmental improvements we will be making, and Pantycelyn Road to agree traffic measures for the new housing development
- Phoenix Fun Day, another great day out with activities for all the family
- member briefing on Chief Officer Job Evaluation Scheme (a bit ‘dry’!)
- Co-production training (my current pet project)
- Ceremonial Council, to elect Lord Mayor

and finally two events in my capacity as Diversity Champion, namely to get a better understanding on refugees, and an excellent event to look at the progress and discuss an action plan to continue the work being done as a Human Rights City.

Les

Spring Catch Up

 I was hoping to do these blogs every month as promised, but as you can see that didn’t work. As I get older time seems not just to pass quickly but disappears altogether!  

So to keep this round up reasonably short I’ll stick to some of the stuff I’ve been involved with outside my regular statutory meetings.

Starting with a real success story, our local police monthly meetings are really going well, and its so much better now we see the local inspector on a regular basis.

My ward colleagues and I are very pleased with the improvements made down the ravine - see left - in improving the pathway so it’s now both cycle and footpath.  Building on this we are now getting involved in various environmental initiatives such as ‘Wild about our Ward’ and looking at planting more trees where appropriate.  And of course the Mayhill pond still gets its regular monthly TLC session every second Sunday.  

One of my pet interests is co-production where representatives from both organisations and residents are involved, on an equal basis and from the outset, in developing a policy, or solving an issue etc.  As a council we are at early stages and appreciate that it will take some time to set this up, to ensure we get it right.

I have also attended two regular meetings, one each at the Phoenix Centre, and Mayhill community Centre.  All three of us are keen to show and give support to those running these centres, particularly as the volunteers & paid staff all work so hard.

But have to mention one council meeting where we debated the budget, possibly the longest I’ve ever been at 4 and a half hours!

Les

New Year, and a new promise!

A new year and a new promise which I will do my best not to break, and that is I aim to restart doing this blog every month.  So a brief review of January (even if mid February already!) …

Quiet first week then a fair few meetings in the second week, the ‘usual suspects’ including Audit & Council.  But a bit of variety followed with two briefings which couldn’t have been more different.

The first was on Crimestoppers, which I’ve only just realised how useful it is, being accessible both online or phone and completely anonymous.

The other was about how our officers tackle damp & mould in our council properties.  Lots of myths about this problem and quote often tenants can help themselves but as always it’s getting that message across which is the main stumbling block.

And on the last Friday of the month I was privileged to attend Holocaust Memorial Day, with truly amazing presentations given by pupils from across schools in Swansea.  As long as they remain that passionate I feel reassured that those who suffered because of that atrocity which took place all those years ago will not be forgotten.

Les

End of the Last Quarter 2022

My New Year’s resolution is to restart doing this blog every month but this last one in 2022 is a brief rundown of the last three months!  I thought I’d hone in on things I’ve been involved in other than the usual meetings …

October

You may recall the serious incident which occurred last year on the border of Townhill and neighbouring ward Castle.  I’ve always felt it’s easy to overlook streets on the edge of any ward, and since then we have been looking carefully at ideas to improve both the look & feel of the area but always in consultation with local residents.  One initiative has been put forward by a group representing forces veterans to develop a community growing project.  A site visit included a helpful discussion with group organisers, leading to an agreement for it to go ahead.  So watch this space for that scheme and others that are slowly but surely making progress.

For various reasons I haven’t always got there but this month I managed our Friends of group’s monthly litter pick at the pond & picnic area.  Just to remind you the group was originally was set up a few years ago to combat individuals from outside the area dumping their rubbish there.  Along with the community food garden at the bottom of the hill, this has been a real success, all thanks to a core of brilliant volunteers whose enthusiasm has kept up the good work ever since.

November

Over the years the ward has had a number of changes to police personnel so it’s not been that easy to develop a good working relationship with them.  But through having for a while an inspirational female PCSO things have definitely been looking up.  Even though she’s moved on to pastures new, since the newest local policing inspector has come on board there’s been a continued sense of a better relationship.  We are now having regular meetings, and met with two new female PCSOs who both seem keen to get stuck in.

Over the last few months I have been involved in preparing for the launch of Unity over Division Charter which the full council voted for late 2021, in part to develop an even better partnership between council staff, councillors and unions Unite, Unison & GMB, alongside all other organisations such as Peace Mala.  As the council’s Diversity Champion I had the privilege of attending the launch, opened with remarks by Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, included the reading of the charter followed by the signing ceremony, and closing comments by Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Day.  But the stars of the event were the pupils of Hafod Primary School with their brilliant Peace Mala inspired performance.

December

Unfortunately I couldn’t attend myself but I’m pleased to see all the hard work done by other councillors and officers come to fruition with the declaration at SwanseaStadium.com of Swansea as a Human Rights City, the first in Wales.  Attended by First Minister Mark Drakeford, our Leader Cllr Rob Stewart summed it up when he said “there is a real determination for Swansea to be a city where everyone is equal, where everyone understands they have human rights and responsibilities, what they are, and where we all respect the rights of others.”

But for me the highlight of the year was definitely attending the ceremonial council to award Kev Johns the Freedom of the City.  For various reasons this had been delayed for quite some so it felt good to at last recognise the best advert we have for Swansea!

Les

End of an Era

 Just where does the time go?!  August seems like the long and distant past, and as it happens there weren’t many meetings anyway.  But we carried out our usual monthly litter pick and tidy up at the pond, and also took photos to celebrate getting the Green Flag Community Award for the 4th year in a row.  

On a completely different note, I attended in interesting fundraising evening in support of Liberia.  Activists from that country who now live in Britain have set up a charity in order to help some of the more vulnerable people living over there, such as the young, or disabled.

September was more back to normal, with the usual smattering of meetings.  The exception of course was the sad event of the Queen passing.  Whilst not a die hard royalist I believe she was a decent woman who took the role, and the duty that went with it, very seriously, and such an excellent ambassador for the UK.  She will be sorely missed.

Les

The start of a new term

 Well I am back but not quite as soon as I had hoped.  As it was 5 years ago since the last time I began a new term as a councillor, its really not that surprising that I’ve forgotten just how much induction training – or in my case re-training – takes places in the first couple of months.  And this is on top of the usual statutory meetings.  But it’s a bit ‘calmer’ now it’s August so time for a quick roundup …

As is often said you never stop learning so even the longest serving councillors are expected to attend a number of induction sessions.  And of course it’s also means those of us returning councillors can help others new to the role.  I’m pleased to be on the same committees as before so not had to go through a huge learning curve but it’s amazing how there’s always something new that you haven’t come across before.

Apart from that there has been a smattering of meetings, like Audit, and two Councils including our annual general meeting.  I’ve also attended Armed Forces Day, held this year outside the Guildhall building at the rotunda, a drop-in session on the housing development of the former Townhill Campus, a ceremonial council to award the Freedom of the City to the Merchant Navy Association, and most recently an Open Day at TOPIC House to inspire volunteers to help with the raised beds and polytunnel to grow their own food.

And I’ve been able to restart my monthly surgeries in the Phoenix Centre, which I link up with Cuppa with a Copper.  Whilst I don’t get many takers I still feel it’s a useful way of showing myself in the community should a resident need me, and get an update from the police at the same time.  Hopefully we will get Street Surgeries up and running, where we go doorknocking and ask if there are any issues that we can help with, either late August or early September, and my mini litter picks.  Apart from anything else I need the exercise!

Les