As I come to the end of my year as Chair of Burntwood Town Council, I look back and reflect how satisfying the year has been. I have been privileged to represent our great community at a number of events and to see how many people give up their time to volunteer in such a variety of organisations.

This time last year I visited some primary schools to help plant oak trees to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles, and I have participated in events at Lichfield Cathedral to represent Burntwood. Within Burntwood I have visited a wide cross section of organisations and have been very impressed with how successful they are, through the sheer hard work of the groups.

In July I attended the Burntwood Wakes Festival, and despite the rain hundreds of people turned out and enjoyed themselves. I also opened the Christmas Event and lights switch on at Sankey’s Corner. These were just two events delivered by the Town Council for the residents of Burntwood and I am sure in years to come they will continue to grow and be appreciated.

During my year as Chair I decided to support Burntwood Be A Friend as my charity. This has enabled me to observe and be aware of the wonderful job the staff and volunteers do to enhance the quality of life for so many. They provide a Women’s Walk and a Men’s Walk to promote wellbeing and run a Community Garden at St Anne’s Church for anyone who enjoys gardening and wants to be involved in a friendly group. They also run the Community Store three times a week at Sankey’s Corner, which is an inspiring opportunity to prevent food from being disposed of in landfill. It is open to all and provided at very affordable prices. I have recently run a very successful quiz night to raise money for this worthwhile organisation and together with a raffle, I hope to have raised a substantial amount of money for them, due to the generosity of the attendees.

I have enjoyed my year as Chair enormously and I am indebted to all those who have helped and assisted me throughout the year. It has made me realise what a wonderful, friendly community we have in Burntwood and how people work hard for others, and I am proud to be a resident here.