JUST RELEASED

Search for 

Getting the best from locums

David McKnight, chief executive, LGRC

LEGAL MATTERS

Log-in and search, now online

Her Majesty Queen Camilla says hello as King Charles greets the Dorset crowds.

KING AND QUEEN’S CORN HALL CALL

There was a regal presence at BLANDFORD FORUM when the Dorset town council showcased the remarkable transformation of the Grade I-listed Corn Exchange. It has served as a focal point for the community for generations but added a new chapter to its long history when it played host to their Majesties the King and Queen. Long recognised as needing significant repair and modernisation, the building has been restored and revitalised through an ambitious refurbishment programme by the town council. The historic landmark was designed and built by the Bastard brothers in 1734, following the Great Fire of 1731.

The ‘no cycling’ sign proved to be incorrect.

CYCLISTS GET FERRY ACCESS AFTER ANCIENT ROUTE IS AGREED

An ancient way between Bosham and the Itchenor ferry in Sussex, has been added to the official map of public rights of way. It enables cyclists to gain access to and from the CHICHESTER Harbour ferry. The route was not recorded as a highway, meaning that a land owner tried to close it off, erecting a sign saying that cycling was forbidden. The Open Spaces Society’s local correspondent applied to add the route to the legal record of public rights of way relying on historic evidence that showed that the route had been regarded as a public road for centuries. The Planning Inspectorate ruled that the route is indeed a historic road and confirmed the order to add it to the definitive map.

SHARED AMBITION BRINGS REWARD

A Welsh council’s work to modernise local services, strengthen democracy and support the community has been recognised five times over. WELSHPOOL Town Council is celebrating after receiving five awards at the prestigious One Voice Wales National Awards. The council’s achievements included: highly commended – Best Governance Initiative, Best Use of Digital Resources, Best Democratic Health Initiative, Best Cost of Living Crisis Initiative; and Commended – Best Devolution of Services or Assets Initiative. Mayor Rev William Rowell, said: “These awards demonstrate what can be achieved when councillors, staff, volunteers and our partners work together with a shared ambition to serve our community.”

KITTED OUT TO SAVE LIVES

An emergency bleed control kit has been added to ROSS-ON-WYE Town Council’s amenities team vehicle, working in partnership with the Herefordshire town’s Lions Club. The specialist kit is designed to help control catastrophic bleeding in the critical moments before emergency services arrive. It will ensure life-saving equipment is readily available during the team’s work across the town. The kits contain military-grade equipment, supported through the Baird Foundation, to help provide immediate life-saving treatment.

Music on the move at the Ware Festival.

A CENTURY OF TELEVISION CELEBRATED IN WARE

The WARE Festival brought the community together for a successful programme of events, celebrating Hertfordshire organisations, volunteers and residents. Carnival Day was a particular highlight, with a theme of 100 Years of Television inspiring an impressive display of imaginative floats, costumes, performances, decorated boats and stalls. The Carnival Parade included floats featuring Bake-off and Cbeebies designs. Entertainment included a military-style marching band, a Vegas-style knife-throwing extravaganza and a roaming piano and double bass tricycle performance! The annual raft race was a popular spectacle.

One of the Witham welcome sculptures.

WITHAM OFFERS ARTY WELCOME

Visitors to an Essex town are guaranteed an arty welcome. WITHAM Town Council has erected six totem pole style welcome posts and 10 nature sculptures to enhance the River Walk area. The art pieces not only beautify the landscape but also serve as a means to promote community engagement with nature. Funded by Section 106 developer money, the installations showcase local wildlife as the council aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural habitats found along the River Walk.

GREEN FLAG AWARD

Rock Park in BARNSTAPLE is a first-time recipient of a Green Flag in the 2026 awards. The Devon park was among 2,391 parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve the award, a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces and ensure the parks meet the needs of the local community. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

West Lindsey district councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan cuts the ribbon at the new play park in Hemswell Cliff.

NEW PLAY PARK TAKES OFF IN LINCOLNSHIRE VILLAGE

A long-awaited new play park has been opened in Lincolnshire. Children were first through the gates to try the zip wire, RAF-inspired aeroplane climbing frame, swings and more at HEMSWELL CLIFF as years of community fundraising, planning and hard work became reality. The £120,000 project has transformed an open green space into a place for children, families and the wider community to enjoy. West Lindsey district councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan cut the ribbon and said: “For once, I would like to be a child again and enjoy all the facilities that we did not have in my day.”

 


Kay Rimer with Olivia at the lych gate.

KAY IS A FREEWOMAN

For more than 30 years, Kay Rimer has faithfully opened and closed St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church every day, becoming a much loved and familiar figure within her Buckinghamshire parish. In recent years she has been accompanied in her duties by her dog, Olivia. To mark her dedication, Kay is the first person to receive the honorary title of Freewoman of STOKENCHURCH. She also generously funded the extensive restoration of the church’s historic lych gate. It commemorates the vicar and choir members who lost their lives during the Second World War, ensuring their memory is preserved for future generations.