17 January 2025

This week started with an Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Advisory Group meeting for the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). This was a pre-meeting in advance of the full meeting in a couple of weeks' time. The EES group works to make the most of the resources we have across the Tees Valley to improve employment and education prospects for all ages. 

Immediately after, myself and Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader of the Council, had a catch up with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Tracey Carter, Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth. There's lots of regeneration happening across our six towns which you can read about on our website. 

On Tuesday I attended an event in Darlington Train Station hosted by LNER. The event is part of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) bicentenary celebrations, and an Azuma train was given a new name and livery to mark the historic occasion. There will be more information on the S&DR celebrations available soon. 

In the afternoon I attended a board meeting with the Ropner Trust, for which I am a Trustee. Becoming a Trustee for a charity is a great way to volunteer your time and expertise. 

Yesterday I was interviewed by BBC Tees radio to talk about our "Something New for You" event coming on Tuesday 21 January at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. It's one of our Here to Help events, and will focus on creating positive opportunities for people at what is often a difficult time of year. Around 40 organisations will be there including community groups and sports clubs, all looking for new members. 

In the afternoon it was Cabinet. We discussed the ongoing works at Preston Park Museum and Grounds and enhanced mainstream school provision among other things. 

This morning I am attending a pre-meeting for the Health and Wellbeing Board, for which I am Chair. The Board ensures healthy relationships and partnership work with all health providers. 

This weekend I look forward to relaxing and spending some time with my family. Middlesbrough didn't progress from the third round of the FA Cup last weekend, losing 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers. The good thing is we can now focus on the Championship and promotion. Next up is Portsmouth, who sit in the relegation spots, so it should be an easy three points for the Boro.