Chair of Wealden District Council

Others before me will have said how honoured they are to be in the position of Chair of Wealden District Council – and of course I am! (1/6)

Great fun in Uckfield last Saturday with Journey's Festival of Dance. Promoting and encouraging art and drama of all sorts is so important for the whole community and particularly young people.

Wealden's rowing Olympian, Emily Craig, received the Freedom of Rotherfield Parish on Saturday. Emily's recent success at the Paris Olympics made us all immensely proud not only here in our District but throughout the country, and will be an inspiration to countless individuals.

Last week I visited @Knockhatch @KnockhatchSki , near Hailsham – a huge adventure park designed for the entertainment and pleasure of entire families. We celebrated English Tourism Week and were shown so much - including the owls. He looks like a cuddly toy – except with claws!

#WealdenCommunityLottery turns 1 year old! What a delight to find out how easy it is & how beneficial to so many local organisations the Wealden Lottery is! Do find out more, have a look at the webpage, and please sign up, I’m sure you wont regret it! wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk

It is said that our country would collapse without the voluntary sector doing what they so valiantly do. Great to celebrate local charities at the High Sheriff of East Sussex @eastsussexhs Awards 23/24 including @BHChaplaincy @BTTCOfficial and many others.

Last night saw the inauguration of Councillor Malcolm Cunningham as a “Freeman of the Town Of Polegate” @PolegateTC . The practice of awarding Freedoms dates back to medieval times, but today is the highest honour the Council can bestow upon a valued member of the community.

The Commonwealth Flag @commonwealthsec was raised today outside Wealden's office and Vice-Chair Gavin Blake-Coggins #CommonwealthDay2024 read The Affirmation.

Attending the AGM of @RSMcentre yesterday I was inspired by how many people have been helped over the last 20 yrs. Getting to appointments, hosting clubs, & visits to local attractions, the charity are continually adding to the activities they have on offer to support residents.

In the words of Ken Wilber; “The truth will not necessarily set you free, but truthfulness will.” (6/6)

Others before me will have said how honoured they are to be in the position of Chair of Wealden District Council – and of course I am! (1/6)

I hope to be a conduit between the district and the council and look forward to fostering transparency and trust in a world that is too often fraught with negativity. (5/6)

to see how we can support each other and together work to foster strong relationships and working practices – to champion the successes of those who live and work in the district. (4/6)

We all see the troubled world documented around us every day, but in this role of Chair, I look forward to engaging with local businesses, schools, Chambers of Commerce, the farming community and local residents – (3/6)

But more than that, I come to this position with hope that as we step into the spring of 2024 and beyond, we can look forward with positivity for the good things that happen in our district. (2/6)

I have recently announced my resignation from the position of WDC Chair to concentrate on campaigning in the coming General Election. It has been an honour to serve. Vice Chair Councillor Gavin Blake-Coggins will take over until a new chair is decided at Full Council on 8/2/24.

Children's voices filled Glyndebourne last night @createmusicUK One Voice. Many schools were represented including Crowborough St John's. A wonderful opportunity for 200+ children and their very proud families. Thank you to Peter Chivers, the Director of 'One Voice'.

I was invited to @UckColl_6thForm to speak to the A-Level politics class about engagement in politics and green issues. They were a fantastic group of thoughtful students and I loved the interesting discussions that we had. Thank you for making me so welcome.

The Green Team welcomed Councillor Christina Coleman from Wealden Council to both sites today, to take part in our eco week - leading a fascinating assembly and meeting with the Green Team representatives.

Double visit yesterday - Ashdown Primary Infants & Juniors. Met Green Teams/gave assemblies. Heard how one pupil enjoyed gardening/litter picking to make him feel closer to his much-loved grandad. Inspiring to hear of the healing power of nature from the perspective of a child.