This week has been a mix of time at the Town Hall and time spent out in different parts of Trafford.  On Monday I attended our Adult Services Improving Lives Everyday Board, where we focus on the services we provide to residents in need of our support.  I also chaired a meeting of the Executive with quite a light agenda this time.  One of the items we discussed was the rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Borough.

On Tuesday I attended a Trafford Faith Action Network session at the Town Hall.  The focus of the session was around children and young people and it was great to see so many faith leaders present.  My colleague, Cllr Eve Parker, has put in a considerable amount of time and effort into the Faith Action Network as part of her cohesion role.  It is great to see the impact the network is already making.

On Wednesday it was lovely to welcome back two of our former councillors to the Town Hall.  Former councillors Laurence Walsh and Patrick Myers were both made Honorary Alderman last year, and we had the opportunity to award them their badges of office in the Mayor’s Parlour.  It was good to see them both again, and to recognise their many years of service to the Borough.

Outside of the Town Hall, I joined my colleague Cllr Aidan Williams at a recording for the Walk Ride GM podcast.  We both really enjoyed having an opportunity to reflect on progress made since the beginning of 2023 and what our aspirations are for the future as we look to grow our active travel network and connect with our neighbours in Manchester and Salford.

I also gave a keynote speech at the annual National Energy & Sustainability in the Public Sector Conference.  The contents focussed on what we’re doing from a Greater Manchester perspective to transition towards net zero- including plans to retrofit housing, explore alternative energy sources, and celebrate progress with our Bee Network.

On Thursday evening I headed to Altrincham to take part in the annual Altrincham Vs Cancer 5k treadmill event.  It had been a while since I last achieved a 5k run (2018) so I have been training since December! I joined several runners at the event and managed to achieve a time of 30minutes and 8 seconds.  I’m 2 minutes and 1 second off the time I achieved back in 2018, but I’ll take that!  Thank you to Alex McCann for organising such a successful event for an important cause.

Later that evening I visited a new independent book shop near Brooklands Station.  It was lovely to meet Michelle and see what an amazing space she has created.  I wish her every success!

On Friday I was back out on the doorstep with my Bucklow-St Martins colleagues and then on Saturday it was time for the second Stretfest!

Following last summer’s success, Stretfest was back once again with lots of local businesses, community groups, the Library, Town Centre and Stretford Public Hall coming together to celebrate the town.  Stretfest also provided the opportunity to celebrate ten years since the Public Hall was transferred to the local community and managed by Friends of Stretford Public Hall.  Over that time the Hall has, once again become an integral part of the local community, and a key partner for Trafford Council.

I also couldn’t resist buying a sun-lounger branded t-shirt on sale that day!