Chairman’s Blog
Chairman’s Blog – August
Dear Reader,
Thank you to those of you have sent me messages of support since my last article. It is really appreciated and encouraging.
In this feature I would like to introduce you to our Parish Clerk and her team. In the attached photograph to my right is Vice Chairman Councillor Vince Merrick. (More about him next time!). On the front row, in the centre is our clerk Mrs Rachael Wright.
On her right is Mrs Sam Berry and on her left is Mrs Judy Vasiljevic. I refer to these three as “The executive” or “The Firm”.
Rachael has been our Clerk for 6 years. She is very forward thinking and imaginative. She has ideas for developing the council, which are very innovative and visionary; she is renown throughout the county for her hard work. Judy has worked in the office for 13 years and Sam for about 18 months. All three are integral to the smooth running of the Parish.
You can contact the parish office by phone on 01902 896300 or email at enquiries@wombourneparishcouncil.org.uk
I mentioned last time that I wanted to pay tribute to the vast army of volunteers who work so hard on behalf of us all. There now follows a summary of people who have made an impression on me since becoming Chairman.
Vicky Bratt, Chair of the Santa Sleigh and Carnival committees. She also oversees the arrangements for the village Christmas tree. Donna and Dave Eccleston, the driving force behind Best Kept Village and managing our Village Hall. Marlene Longman from Wombourne District and Community Association. Sarah Slater, Friendly Faces and Dementia Singing. Darryl Smith and Wombourne All Stars who now have over 300 players and over 30 other volunteers. Joan Smith at the Wombourne Volunteer Bureau. Richard Wherton Treasurer of so many of our organisations. Tony and Jane Parkinson of Giggetty Action Group doing their utmost to improve the Giggetty Estate, the home of my birth and infant nurture. Tony and Jane seem to pop up everywhere that help is needed. I also met John Reynolds on my travels. John was once described to me as Wombourne Royalty. He has supported many projects over many years and was once a Parish Councillor. Terry Hunt, who recently celebrated his 60th Wedding Anniversary. He and his wife have been involved in projects all over the world, including Wombourne.
On behalf of the residents of Wombourne, we thank you so much. You keep the village ticking over and looking good. But most of all, you reach out and offer support to some of the most vulnerable people in Wombourne. We at the Parish Councill salute you.
There are, of course, many more of you I have yet to meet. I look forward to visiting you over the next few months. Please get in touch if you want me or any of the team to visit your group or organisation.
I must also mention my fellow Parish Councillors, who are described as “unpaid elected members”. As well as carrying out their Council duties, some also volunteer for many of the above organisations.
I have made several visits and presentations since my last article. I would particularly like to mention presenting the “Wombourne in Bloom” shield at Walkers Way. What a beautiful location. I urge you to patronise the businesses here and indeed all businesses in our village.
It is heartbreaking to see businesses closing and empty units in the village. There are a number of initiatives and projects in place, which we hope will help promote our village centre, the shops in Common Road, Planks Lane and Bull Meadow. I will update you next time as these plans develop.
In the meantime, our next full council meeting is Monday 25th September in the Council Chamber. It would be great to see you there.
In my next article I will start to introduce you to your Parish Councillors. Please contact me if there is anything you wish to discuss. Look after yourselves and have a great few weeks.
Mark Evans
07944 888 700
mevans@wombourneparishcouncil.org.uk
Chairman Wombourne Parish Council