Wantage Area Summer Concert

The Oxfordshire County Music Service has arranged a host of summer events this year, and I was able to go along last evening to the Wantage Area Music School Summer Concert held at King Alfred's School.

We listened to a whole range of different ensembles including string, brass, wind and jazz which made for a very lively evening. I was certainly impressed by the high standard of music on offer and the enthusiasm of the children involved. We are fortunate to have such a wealth of talent in our area.

You can visit the website here.

Flying the Flag in Oxfordshire

This morning I attended a ceremony outside County Hall in Oxford 'Flying the Flag for the first British Armed Forces Day'. Read more about it here

This was an opportunity to talk to many of the cadets who are serving in Oxford and who came along to take part in this nationally organised event. Officially this will take place on June 27th every year. On the many occasions where I have attended events with the military, I know how much they appreciate the support for all the hard work they undertake on our behalf.

Traditions at the Council

Today was the first annual meeting of the new Oxfordshire County Council after the recent elections. The Conservative-controlled Council decided to change the tradition of rotating the Chairman and Vice-Chairman amongst the three political groups to take both offices for themselves.

Liberal Democrats are the Opposition at the County Council and it was our turn to have been given the opportunity to take the Chair. Unfortunately, this was not allowed and Cllr. Anne Purse who had held office of Vice-Chairman over the past year was denied this honour. It was a shame. She has been an excellent ambassador for the Council in her role over the past year.

In true traditional style though, like the last time when taking control four years ago, all the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of all 5 scrutiny committees were also given to the ruling group. Despite our co-operation with the Labour group collectively putting forward our own nominations for these posts - all were turned down. In effect, leaving not much confidence in the scrutiny process. The Cabinet needs to be held to account if the public are to believe that democracy is in action at County Hall.

Today, I was officially named Leader of the Opposition for the fourth year running. There will be challenging times ahead!

Wantage Summer Festival

Just a reminder that the 14th Wantage Summer Festival is underway until 5th July. Details can be found here with the programme of events here.

Street Pastors Launch

This evening it was a pleasure to attend the launch of a new initiative in Wantage and Grove called Street Pastors. You can read more about it here

Street Pastors go out and about in the community at night and give help and support especially to young people who may be in trouble. There are many cities all over the UK who are already part of the scheme. The Ascension Trust gives training and support for anyone who is interested in becoming a street pastor and all ten churches in Wantage and Grove are involved. Wantage and Grove Street Pastors can be contacted by telephoning 01235 771859 or by email at: wantageandgrove@streetpastors.org.uk

It is excellent that this scheme is being supported by Thames Valley Police and we hope this will lead to a reduction in crime across the whole area. I am sure it will be a great success.

Folk for MS Charity Concert

Last night, the annual Folk for Multiple Sclerosis (FfMS) charity concert was held at Old Mill Hall in Grove. This was the 20th anniversary of these concerts and this year the idea was to recreate the very first concert from 1990. As always, an excellent evening and fundraising for a very good cause.

More on FfMS can be found at http://folkforms.org/index.htm

Election Result - Thank You Grove and Wantage

Excellent news for Grove and Wantage as Jenny Hannaby and myself retain our 2-member division with an increased majority. Click here to see the full result

I believe the national scene has had a real impact on the local County Council results in Oxfordshire with many voters deciding to express their opinion locally or not at all. The European election results will not be known until Sunday.

We are both looking forward to working with our residents over the next four years, working hard to represent you all at County Hall. Liberal Democrats remain as the official opposition to the ruling group. I will continue to keep everyone posted - watch this space!

County Council Elections on Thursday 4th June

This Thursday, it is the Oxfordshire County Council elections which are being held at the same time as the European elections this year.

I have been your County Councillor for the last 8 years and have always worked hard for the community of Grove and Wantage, keep residents informed about the important issues and always been available by telephone or my face-to-face surgeries. It has been a real pleasure to serve you all.

There has been a lot of disillusionment with the national political scene, and I hope this does not mean people will be turned away from voting. It is an opportunity to exercise your democratic right. Who will be your local councillor really matters in this election. Jenny Hannaby and myself hope you will give us your support for the 2-member division of Grove and Wantage.