Its’s been another busy week.

It began by attending The Big Active Conversation following an invite from, Dame Sarah Story, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner.

The event, held at the Village Hotel, Tameside, provided an important update on the regions cleaner and safer travel missions.

It was hosted by TfGM and other leading GM partners.

It was a great opportunity to bring leaders in active travel together as we strive to make the city-region a better place for everyone to walk, cycle, and travel more actively.

In addition, Vernon Everitt, GM’s Transport Commissioner, talked about how active travel will revolutionise how people travel byway of the bold Bee Network scheme.

Further information on how it will benefit Trafford residents can be found here: Schemes in Trafford | TfGM Bee Active

After the formal side to the event ended, guests headed to Tameside Cycling Circuit to ride on e-trikes, showcased by We are Cycling UK and Wheels for All.

It was a perfect end to the day!

It was straight back to business on Tuesday.

I was fortunate to be joined by my colleague, Cllr Catherine Hynes, in her roles as Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, to attend the Trafford Cultural Strategy Summit, held in Urmston Library.

Trafford is a very special place to live, work, visit and relax making this a very exciting piece of work that will shape and highlight all the borough’s cultural assets.

It was an interactive event that gave attendees the chance to offer ideas and become more involved in the development of the strategy prior to its imminent launch.

In the afternoon I was delighted to host the Let’s Talk Session for council officers.

The session was an opportunity to update staff on various work happening within the council and a great opportunity for me to introduce my new Executive Members and discuss their roles.

Wednesday was spent attending day and evening meetings while on Thursday I held the second Let’s Talk Session.

Today I travelled to Manchester to attend a special meeting of the GMCA to consider the next stage of Greater Manchester’s bus reform that will eventually give passengers the London-Style transport system that is so badly needed.

Under the new franchised system, Greater Manchester authorities will be in the driver’s seat when it comes to bus planning, with services run under contract by private operators.

This evening I will be attending a charity event hosted by the mayoress, Dolores O’Sullivan, at Sale Waterside.

This marks the start of the much-loved annual Sale Festival which celebrates everything from music, dance, comedy, and all things arty!  Click the ‘What’s On’ link I promise you won’t be disappointed.

What’s On | Sale Festival

My week will end tomorrow with a 5K stroll to support the wonderful Home-Start Family Walk.

The importance of the work the charity does cannot be underestimated. They are a lifeline for parents who find they are struggling to cope. At times life can be tough and parenting a challenge.

The fantastic team at Home-Start, a volunteer-led organisation, helps and supports parents in crisis – and I am also proud to be a trustee.

For further information about Home-Start visit: Home – Home-Start Trafford Salford and Wigan (hsts.org.uk)

I’ll be joining the team at the Trafford Centre headed for Sale Water Park.

And finally, whatever your plans have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Tom.

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