We recognise that when communities come together it has a powerful impact. Not just on improving people’s health and wellbeing but also because it gets things done.
Since Wiltshire Council was formed seven
years ago our vision has been to support local communities to become stronger
and more resilient so that they can do more for themselves.
We quickly realised that if you
provide a hook or reason for a local community to engage it results it a lot of
creative energy and that in turn sees people - of all ages – coming together
and getting involved.
We’ve seen this time and time again in recent years – the fantastic summer in 2012 when the Olympic Torch came through Wiltshire, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in that same year, the Magna Carta celebrations last year, and this year we have the Queen’s 90th birthday and the clean-up in readiness for this.
We are always overwhelmed by the enthusiasm
and excitement of communities to get involved and to participate. And, whilst it’s
nice to look back, it’s more important to look ahead. This year is no exception
- we know Wiltshire residents are patriotic. More than 1,500 volunteers got
involved in March to Clean for the Queen, a campaign to make sure that
Wiltshire was beautiful and ready to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday.
Wiltshire was second only to London in
carrying out the most registered litter picks in the country over the Clean for
the Queen weekend – a huge achievement! The county really does look wonderful as
a result and I’m pleased to say that I know many communities continue to
organise litter picks to keep their local areas clean and beautiful.
This weekend, I suspect that bunting
will be in short supply as so many communities have organised celebrations to
mark the Queen’s special birthday. We wanted to encourage communities to use
their imaginations and we’ve provided support and advice to more than 80 communities
organising street parties and events through a handy tool kit and “how to”
guide. I know one thing for sure and that is Wiltshire will celebrate in style.
Next Thursday (16 June) we will be
hosting afternoon tea at County Hall to bring the old and young people in our
communities together to mark the occasion. This invitation is extended to all
of you to join us for some great entertainment and tea and cake. The cakes will
be provided as a result of a bake-off for the Queen’s birthday competition and
I am not just looking forward to judging the cakes but also to sampling them!
‘Community’ is a word often associated with
days gone by, but I think it’s actually quite forward-thinking.
We know as a
council that we cannot do everything, and empowering communities to do more for
themselves is the future. If events such as Clean for the Queen, and the Queen’s
birthday celebrations can inspire people to come together and work together,
then that’s a real achievement.
I hope however you are celebrating,
you have a wonderful time and I look forward to welcoming you to County Hall
next week – hopefully with a winning cake! On that note - I’m off to find that recipe and get baking!
Jane
