New faces on board

We wrote in the New Year to explain the many changes that were about to take place and the challenges they would pose to us. Well, as ever, Gnosall Parish Council has risen to the challenge and things are looking much more positive.

We are very happy to report that we have welcomed 6 new councillors to the team. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and between them have a range of skills and talents. They are:

Chris Herbert             Gnosall Ward

Gren Knight               “

Bob Middleton          “

Keith Parry                  “

Wayne Titley               “

Aaron Reeves            Moreton Ward

This leaves us with just one councillor vacancy, for the Moreton Ward.  We wish all our new councillors a successful and fulfilling time with us as they discover which committees suit them best and how they can use their skills to improve life here in Gnosall for all our residents.

Having been so successful in recruiting new councillors, we turned our attention to filling the post of Chief Officer and were fortunate to have a fair field of applicants. Short-listing took place and two very well-prepared candidates were interviewed. The successful candidate was Jennifer Marshall and she took up post of April 1^st – no comments please! We feel very fortunate to have been able to appoint and we hope that she will have a rewarding and enjoyable career here at Gnosall. Undoubtedly, she has big boots to fill but she is more than capable to doing so and of making this role her own. Welcome Jennifer!

In addition to all the above, we appointed Kevin Baldwin as our new Handyman and are already compiling a list of jobs for him to do. Welcome Kevin!

At our Annual Assembly on April 2^nd, we bade a formal farewell to departing councillors and staff and presentations were made to those who had served 10 years or more. It was a very well-attended and somewhat emotional occasion.

In May, at our Annual Meeting of Council, we shall appoint the Chair and Vice Chair of Council for the forthcoming year. The new postholders will lead the council in developing all councillors into a cohesive team to face whatever the future holds for parish councils. One thing can be guaranteed – Gnosall Parish Council won’t be standing still!