In 2015 I was elected to serve as a district councillor, a rookie, the first time I had stood for election to serve the people in my community.

Did I know what to expect, what was involved? Not really (I had attended a few council meetings beforehand to see). Did I know what would be expected of me? Not really… not at first. I soon learned, especially through the scrutiny committee, to which I give a special mention, best thing I have ever been part of, it taught me so much about the workings of a council and how/why decisions are taken! And just like that, 8 years on its all going to stop.

On 31st March 2023 SSDC will be no more, merged into the new Somerset Council with others. I leave with greater knowledge and pride, the processes required, the achievements, the lessons learnt, the service to the people I represented, planning decision discussed to name a few. Were there some tough times and decisions to make, of course.

Many say I should have stood for the new Council, maybe in the future I will, but at this time the role is more than I can commit to, to do a ‘proper job’, so I didn’t.

Those members and officers that have gone on to the new council will continue to get my support and best wishes, knowing what is involved through my time as a district councillor, I understand on the whole what their roles entail, the decisions and commitments to the local community they undertake and I respect them for that, as should we all.

Thank you SSDC, former colleagues, members of all parties (we don’t always agree but debate was always done with respect, on the whole), officers (including some that have previously moved on, some far away) for the lessons learned, helping me, the whole experience, an understanding, a life experience I will carry with me for life.

Good luck to all, officers and members (and ex-officers, ex members through my time at SSDC) alike as you continue your journeys, be it with the new council or elsewhere.

We should also make time for reflection, remembering those members and officers who have sadly passed away over the years.

Am I finished? Not quite, I continue to serve town and parish as a councillor and who knows what the future holds. Never say never.

#SSDC#southsomersetdistrictcouncil

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