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 LOOKING AFTER EMPLOYEES
- MOTIVATION

by James Corrigan
Director of Council HR & Governance Support

LEGAL MATTERS

 Sevenoaks Mayor Libby Ancrum signed the purchase papers for Longspring Woods and received congratulations from King Charles.

ROYAL BACKING FOR CAMPAIGN

A successful campaign to save Longspring Woods for Sevenoaks has received a surprise message of congratulations – from His Majesty King Charles III. SEVENOAKS Town Council received the message on headed paper from Buckingham Palace ahead of celebrations of the purchase of the ancient woodlands. The appeal for funds had a magnificent response from the Kent communit with pledges coming in from £5 up to £50,000 to buy the 14-acre site. More than £100,000 was pledged in 23 days, which was matched by the town council with £100,000 from its funds from a previous sale of land. Those who were unable to donate pledged help in kind, including litter picking, gardening and manual labour.

 The design painted on the side of the former Chronicle building in Crewe.

YOUNGSTERS PLAY PART IN DESIGN

The first public art commission for the CREWE Arts Trail has been revealed. The Trail is being produced as part of the UKSPF funded Crewe Arts Development Programme and a huge, colourful mural has been painted on the end of the former Chronicle building in High Street. The artwork, named RE-Making Crewe, was co-designed by young people within the community, working with artist Cherie Grist. More than 70 youngsters from local organisations took part in six interactive workshops to come up with their own ideas for the design of the first mural, while discussing the town centre.

 Sir Quackalot overlooks the revamped Kingsgate Park play equipment in Yate.

KINGSGATE PARK REFURBISHMENT IS SIMPLY QUACKERS!

Accessibility and sustainability were key to the refurbishment and redesign of Kingsgate Park in YATE. The new equipment is suitable for a range of different abilities, encouraging imagination and social play and features sustainable and climate resilient materials. Some of the inclusive equipment includes a satellite carousel swing, hydra swing and a wheelchair seesaw. Refurbishment of the existing timber tree top trail, junior trail, youth hut and balance trail uplifted these areas with a ‘like-new’ appearance. A public competition to name a bespoke duck play sculpture was held and the successful name was Sir Quackalot.

MORE BLOOMING GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENTS

DUNSTABLE has again demonstrated its commitment to community and environmental excellence by securing a gold award in the large town category of Anglia in Bloom. Town Mayor Louise O’Riordan said: “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our community. From volunteers to council staff, everyone has played a part in making Dunstable a beautiful place.” The Bedfordshire town also won Best Young Person (u12) Project; Best Sheltered Housing Garden; Cemetery and Churchyard category; Nursing and Care Home category, Priory View Independent Living; and Parks category, Grove House Gardens.

TIME TO SHOW OFF TOWN

A County Durham town was transformed into a hub of excitement as part of community celebrations. The Billingham Show is a free, family-friendly extravaganza, orchestrated by BILLINGHAM Town Council, with a fun fair, horticultural show, craft show and strong man/woman contest. The show served as a platform for local businesses and organisations and Billingham Town Council admin officer Kate Minza said: “With its blend of entertainment, education, and community spirit, the Show encapsulates the town’s warmth and vitality. It’s more than just an event; it’s a cherished tradition that brings neighbours together, fostering a sense of pride in this vibrant town.”

The new memorial in Kirton in Lindsey.
Picture: Maria and Bill Rhoades.

MEMORIAL TO 1944 AIRMEN

A Halifax bomber memorial has been unveiled in KIRTON IN LINDSEY in memory of six airmen killed in a crash in 1944. A ceremony was led by Tony Bartlett of the RAF Cadets and the Royal British Legion with Kirton in Lindsey Mayor Hazel Fox, Nic Dakin MP, members of the Royal Air Force and Rev David Swannack also part of the event. The memorial is about 50 yards from where the Handley Page Halifax bomber crashed in May 1944 after engine failure. Six of the seven crew, based at RAF Blyton, lost their lives.

 Three of the Ringwood award recipients
(front centre). Picture: Trevor Pogson.

STAFF MEMBERS CHALK UP 108 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Four long-serving members of staff at RINGWOOD Town Council, who have contributed an impressive total of 108 years’ service to their Hampshire community have been honoured. Stephen Smith (42 years), Jo Hurd (23 years), Helen Short (23) and Paul Ventham (20 years) were honoured with a certificate of appreciation and a personal gift, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the council. Town Mayor Rae Frederick praised the recipients and said: “The dedication of our long-serving staff is truly inspiring. Their commitment to serving our community for decades speaks volumes and we are immensely grateful for everything they have done.”

 Sammy Miller MBE with his Freedom Scroll (supplied by Mike Goodwin, CCD), marking his New Milton honour.

MOTORCYCLE LEGEND HONOURED

A special meeting of NEW MILTON Town Council was called to acknowledge the town’s fourth honorary freeman, Sammy Miller MBE. The award was celebrated with a reception at Sammy’s Motorcycle Museum in Bashley attended by local dignitaries and VIP guests, including Sir Desmond Swayne MP and his Lady wife Moira, town councillors and Mr Miller’s family and friends. The honour recognises the service the highly-decorated trials motorcycle rider has provided to the Hampshire town and his unstinting work in setting up the world-famous museum in 1996.

 Betty Woodcock with her Royal birthday card.
Picture: Courtesy of Jane Bowden.

BETTY GETS HER WAY TO MARK 100

HORNING Parish Council has celebrated the 100th birthday of long-standing councillor Betty Woodcock. Betty was vice-chairman of Horning Parish Council for 18 years and has attended meetings for more than 50 years. She retired from the council but returned in 2021 at the age of 97. She retired again in 2023 but still contacts the council regularly. In recognition of her extraordinary work on behalf of the Norfolk village, the council has named a byway beside the village green Betty’s Way.