16 March 2022Wednesday 9th March: ‘I attended the virtual New Clerks Webinar to give them all a warm welcome and open the event. I reminded them that even if they work remotely they are not alone as there are over 10,000 clerks across the country, and each county has its own branch meetings which they can attend to network with fellow clerks, share their experiences and ask questions.’
Thursday 10th March: ‘My first branch meeting as President on a bright sunny day was just 50 miles down the road to the Bedfordshire Branch, where I was welcomed by Clare Evans, Branch Chair and Helen Glanville, Branch Secretary. The well attended meeting took place in the brand new Cranfield village hall, which was very modern and sleek. It was an excellent meeting covering numerous ‘clerk topics’.’
Friday 11th March: ‘Today the storm clouds gathered and it rained virtually all day for my cross country journey to Trowbridge, Wiltshire for the Community Governance Awards, where I was invited to say a few words and present the numerous certificates and awards. The room at the Trowbridge Civic Centre was full of very proud students and their tutors. All of the students were in gowns in De Montfort colours, which brightened up the day immensely. There were many smiley faces at the end of the day in recognition of all the hard work by each student, in not only achieving their awards, but in raising the profile of each individual clerk and the sector as well.’
Monday 14th March: ‘After the weekend break it was back on the road, this time heading north to Newark and the Nottingham Branch Meeting. A warm welcome was made by Alan Mellor, Newark town clerk and Karen Wakefield, Branch Chair and town clerk at Ollerton & Boughton Town Council. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber of the grade 1 listed Georgian Newark Town Hall. Following the presentation of Operation London Bridge a lively meeting took place. Many thanks to Alan for the guided tour of the town hall with its civic regalia and art gallery – much appreciated.’
Philip Peacock PSLCC
