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GETTING RECRUITMENT RIGHT
by
James Corrigan, Director
Council HR and Governance Support

LEGAL MATTERS

COMMUNITY BECOMES FIRST TO TWIN WITH UKRAINE

SWANLEY in Kent, has become the first community in the United Kingdom to officially twin with a city in Ukraine since the start of the war; this serves as a mark of solidarity following the Russian invasion of the country. The official ceremony held at the Swanley Civic Centre and broadcast online, marked a significant step in fostering co-operation between Swanley and Fastiv communities as well as the UK and Ukraine. Distinguished delegates from Fastiv, including the mayor, were present virtually, holding the ceremony from a secure underground facility. Swanley mayor, Cllr Michael Horwood, who has also hosted ten refugees at his home, expressed enthusiasm about the historic twinning.

Bilingual twinning scroll by Mike Goodwin, Clerks & Councils Direct

NEW DEFIBRILLATOR FOR TOWN CENTRE

MARLOW Town Council in Buckinghamshire, has been working in conjunction with South Central Ambulance Service to increase defibrillator access in the town. As a result, the first new defibrillator has now been installed in a phone box in Quoiting Square and further locations are being reviewed. Mayor David Brown said: “Installing the new defibrillator in Quoiting Square involved a slightly more complex process than before, as listed building consent had to be sought. But the defibrillator is now in place and is ready to provide the local community with a life-saving function.

A BLUEPRINT FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

TOTTON AND ELING Town Council in Hampshire has successfully revitalised Hanger Farm Pool, marking a significant achievement in its community enhancement plans. This renovation, the product of meticulous planning and dedication, has yielded a safer and more inclusive recreational space for local residents. Structural improvements were made to fortify the pool's base, ensuring both longevity and a smoother gradient for swimmers. The addition of a beach-like ramp and a sturdy supporting rail now welcomes individuals of all abilities, making the pool truly inclusive. A softer, poolside surface enhances relaxation, and a stylish raised island feature adds visual appeal.

NEW GAMES AREA UNVEILED

At an official ribbon cutting ceremony, Tom Tugendhat, MP for TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, opened a new multi-use games area for Trottisclliffe in Kent. The event was also attended by Matt Boughton, leader of the council, and local villagers. David Gaunt, chairman of the council explained: “There has been an influx of younger families in the village over recent years. This raised questions as to whether the parish council should provide more facilities in the village. The council canvassed villagers and local clubs before considering the options and costs.” Financial support for the project was provided by the FCC Communites Foundation.

SUSTAINABLE FROM CROWN TO CANOPY

Eco social enterprise, 9Trees.org, is stepping forward to assist councils and farmers in making the most of a newly established £2.5 million government fund. This initiative is aimed at planting thousands of trees across the nation to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 9Trees.org brings a fresh, accessible approach providing expert support for sustainable woodland creation. The organisation offers solutions tailored to individual sites, allowing clients to maximise their share of the grant ranging from £10,000 to £50,000. The organisation's end-to-end services include site mapping, ecological surveys, creation of detailed plans and tree species selection.

CELEBRATING BRITAIN'S GREATEST GARDENS

AYLESBURY Town Council, in Buckinghamshire, has announced the winners of its annual Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition, which celebrates the creative talents of residents, businesses and charities. Entrants were awarded prizes by the mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Steven Lambert, and Michael Donnachie from Michael Anthony Estate Agents at an awards evening on 21 September at the Aylesbury Canal Society. Local gardening experts gave their time throughout the summer to visit 28 gardens to choose the winners. Amongst the gold winners were Ron and Heather Murray for best Wildlife/Nature Garden (pictured).

HISTORIC EVENT STILL CELEBRATED

WHITWORTH in Lancashire, held its annual Rushcart procession from Whitworth Museum in September. Featuring numerous traditional Morris and other dance troupes, including the famous Britannia Coconutters, Thieving Magpie, AzKabile Tribe and the Whitworth Morris Dancers, led by the Rushcart itself. Whitworth’s Rushcart history goes back hundreds of years; initially the celebration was linked to the cutting and collection of rushes, which were taken to the church on a cart to be strewn on the bare earth or stone flagged floor as a form of insulation for the winter to come. Out of this grew a celebration which was enjoyed by the whole community. The local Tourism and Leisure Committee had the help of a team of volunteer marshals to ensure the parade could take place safely. Organisers thanked all the dancers and volunteers who made the event a huge success.

COUNCIL INVESTS IN CARBON LITERACY

ASHINGTON Town Council in Northumberland, wanted to celebrate climate progress stemming from carbon literacy, so it arranged training for its councillors and officers. Executive Officer, Sarah Eden completed the training in January 2023, as part of final trials for the Carbon Literacy Project's Town and Parish toolkit. The training was delivered by Save Our Shropshire to five councillors from Ashington, and two from neighbouring councils in Northumberland. The training has provided councillors with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable decisions and engage residents in climate action.

THEY MADE THE VILLAGE A BETTER PLACE

WICKWAR Parish Council in South Gloucestershire, paid tribute to two of its villagers at a recent council meeting. The Reverend Canon David Russell, who retires after more than 25 years of service, and Philip Revill, after a similar period of volunteering at Alexander Hosea Primary School, helping with Speedwatch, and running both the Friends of the Church and Neighbourhood watch, were presented with Freedom of the Parish scrolls. “They have both made this village a better place over many years and will be much missed.” said Sarah Quick, parish clerk.

Freedom scrolls by Mike Goodwin, Clerks & Councils Direct