Friday 29 April

The week began with a catch up on Monday with Billingham North councillors to discuss ward matters.

I was then joined online by Deputy Leader Jim Beall for our early in the week catch up with Managing Director Julie Danks to discuss any ongoing issues and the week ahead.

On the evening I attended a meeting of the Ropner Trust, of which I am a trustee. Since 1996 the charity has granted over £1million to help promote the education (social and physical) of people aged 25 and under, and has made grants available to groups and projects for the general benefit of the Borough's residents.

As Armed Forces Champion for the Borough it was my privilege on Tuesday morning to attend the first Veterans Breakfast run by the new Yarm Wellness charity in the newly refurbished Yarm Youth and Community Centre. The special breakfast event is supported by the Royal British Legion Stockton and Yarm Branch and will be held every two weeks going forward.

Later I met virtually with Gary Cummings, the Council's Director of Finance, Development & Business Services, for a useful monthly update on the Council's town centre plans. 

On Wednesday morning I sat on the interview panel to appointment a new Assistant Director of Town Centres Development, as part of the Council's ongoing Senior Management Restructure.

Later on I had another catch up with two of Stockton's ward councillors, where I was joined by Managing Director Julie Danks.

In the evening I attended an online meeting of Norton Community Partnership.

Yesterday I received a useful briefing on one of the items due to come before next month's Cabinet.

This afternoon I'm looking forward to attending the launch of our In Living Memory exhibition at Preston Park Museum. The project celebrates the Borough's many hidden stories to help us ensure that some of our most important events, happenings and people are not forgotten and remain in living memory for years to come.

This weekend I'll be spending time with my family and seeing how Middlesbrough get on at home to Stoke. Following our midweek win against Cardiff, and with two games to go, there's still a great chance of Boro making the playoffs.