With the lambing season now in full swing and the sun making an appearance last weekend, it almost feels as though Spring might have finally arrived! The warmer weather is just in time as campaigning gets underway for the local elections in less than three weeks. The full list of candidates standing across Wiltshire’s 98 divisions has been published and can be found on the council’s website. Just four years on from becoming a unitary authority we have 308 candidates standing to represent their local communities; proving that democracy in Wiltshire is alive and well. It demonstrates that the work by councillors and staff to promote the elections and encourage candidates to stand has been a success; and, did you know - there are 6 uncontested seats in this election which is extremely unusual – well done to those candidates who are already elected!
I am delighted that our councillor development group has worked with officers to prepare information packs to help nominated candidates find out more about the council and what to expect as a unitary councillor. The packs which go out next week include a programme of training and events for the first few weeks in office so that newly elected members will know what to expect when they take on the role to make a difference in their local community.
The election – one of the biggest in the country – includes 360 stations, 850 polling staff and 450 count staff and it is the biggest event the council will deliver this year. Counting will take place on Friday 3 May and I am sure many of you will be involved.
In the meantime, there is a lot happening. Plans are well underway for the Big Business event in Salisbury which will run from 23 to 25 April. We have agreed to work in partnership with Salisbury City Council to deliver this prestigious business event which promotes business to business and will help to boost the local economy. Karren Brady from the BBC’s Apprentice is the keynote speaker. I have no doubt that Karren will be entertaining and thought provoking as she has a huge amount of experience leading impressive organisations and as the Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club for over a decade and now as Vice Chair of West Ham Football Club. She’s known as the first lady of football – a woman after my own heart! It’s vital we continue to give local businesses all the help we can. With the International Arts Festival starting at the end of May, and the redevelopment of the Market Place well underway, the next few months will be an exciting time for Salisbury.
As a member of the Chippenham Area Board I was delighted to visit the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre yesterday. Funding from the Board and from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been awarded to the Centre to ensure that the Sevington Victorian Schoolroom will stay open to educate young people through living history. The schoolroom continues to provide children with an opportunity to see for themselves what life was like in Victorian times – and hopefully realise how lucky they are living in 2013! Many who are now grown up will remember the wonderful experience of visiting Sevington and now future generations will too. The exhibition is also going to open on Sunday afternoons giving the whole community a chance to go along.
The integration of public health into the council saw teams working together this week to provide advice on measles, following the outbreak in south Wales. You may have already seen the information on the intranet but if you are unsure of whether you or a member of your family has been vaccinated the team is advising you speak to your local GP practice to arrange a vaccination.
The news this week that Margaret Thatcher had died saw the end of an era. Despite the polarised views about her as the former Prime Minister, in my view she was a great inspiration and changed the perception of women in politics and what they can achieve.
I had an early start this morning as I was at County Hall to see the two bishops set off on their charity bike ride around the county to raise funds for Christian Aid. The Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Lee Rayfield and the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Rev Edward Condry, will be cycling around Wiltshire over two days to raise awareness of Christian Aid Week which runs from 12-18 May. The trip will cover 165 miles with about 6,000ft of climbing. I wish them good luck on their journey and I hope they raise lots of funding and that the sun shines on them!
I hope you all enjoy the weekend. More next week,
Jane
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