This week started with a very difficult lambing and the vet needing to visit the farm. It was such a relief that both our ewe and her lamb survived and at the time of writing my blog the lamb, which is one of the largest and healthiest we have, is galloping around in the spring sunshine!
Despite another busy week of leafleting in readiness for next week’s election, council business carries on as usual and this week I’ve had meetings with our three corporate directors and many of our service directors to discuss ongoing work as well as new and exciting projects that will help us continue to transform our organisation and services.
This week I had a meeting with June Osborne, the Dean of Salisbury Cathedral. It’s always a pleasure to see June and there was plenty for us to talk about particularly about plans for commemorating next year’s anniversary of the start of World War One. We have been putting together plans for commemorative events in the county and Salisbury Cathedral, as one of our most famous landmarks, will have a key role. In 2015 it will be the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and the start of the journey to parliamentary democracy. The ‘Great Charter’ is recognised as a founding block for liberty and has influenced civilizisations across the globe. It was sealed by King John at Runnymede Meadow on 15th June 1215 and one of the remaining four copies is housed in Salisbury Cathedral. I share June’s hope that the event we are planning will give young people another opportunity to engage with our history and with democracy and learn how citizenship was forged. I think 2014 and 15 will be busy!
I’d like to congratulate Salisbury who won the Wiltshire Rugby 7s programme on Saturday at Bath’s Recreation Ground. They played fellow rugby stars Marlborough and were presented with their medals during half time of the Bath versus Leicester Tigers game. Keeping people fit and active is all part of creating a legacy for Wiltshire – a programme of events and activities which is keeping the enthusiasm and momentum from last year’s celebratory year alive.
It’s been a busy week in Salisbury with the Big Business event taking place. I understand from officers and colleagues who have been at the various sessions and talks that it has been a real success attracting many local businesses. With our support, working with the city council, we have helped to boost the local economy and provide an opportunity for local businesses to network and promote what they have to offer. Wednesday night’s keynote speech, delivered by the BBC Apprentice’s Karren Brady, was a sellout, a sign of a successful event.
Yesterday I had one of my regular meetings with the Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus MacPherson. As you may know there has been a change in leadership in Swindon with Rod Bluh stepping down and David Raynard taking over from him. I know David well as he was the deputy leader and the lead member for children's services on the council. The meeting was a great chance to talk to David and Angus about plans to develop Wiltshire Council’s partnership work with the police and continue to keep our communities safe.
I hope some of you will be able to join me in the Atrium at County Hall this afternoon for the short tennis exhibition. I’ll be there to see this great space transformed into a tennis court where young people can showcase their sporting prowess. It would be great if you could come and cheer them on.
During the course of the last four years we have transformed the way we work and nothing proves this more visually than the way we have brought our services together into three main hubs. Opening these buildings up to our partners, like the police, and the public shows just how far we have come.
Speaking as one of the nominated candidates, I would like to just take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped to organise and run the election next week. With the unitary and parish elections being held on the same day ours, Wiltshire will be one of the biggest of the 33 elections taking place across the country. Whatever your politics, I hope everyone who is eligible will vote next Thursday and have their say on the future leaders for our county.
In the meantime, my fingers are crossed for a sunny and good weekend.
Jane
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