WE had our AGM last Thursday which was a time to thank those who had represented the council and worked hard to deliver on our work this past year.

Committee memberships were confirmed, each one being made up of a careful political balance from all parties.

Chairs and vice chairs of committees generally lead on the agendas but every committee member can suggest items for inclusion and all take a full part in the debates and decisions that come to meetings.

We also considered the Corporate Peer Challenge report, a result of councillors and officers from other councils taking a close look at SDC’s work, talking to staff, elected members, and representatives from the community.

Overall the good work of SDC was recognised.

Also recognised was important areas for improvement; as with any large organisation we can always do better.

The review report is available on our website.

One of our key actions for 2019-20 is to get a parkrun going in Stroud following the excellent examples in Stonehouse and Wotton.

Last week marked my own personal achievement as along with officers from SDC we completed our six week beginners running club with a 30-minute run – six weeks previously as I struggled to run even a few minutes I would never have thought it possible.

A huge thanks to the friendly and encouraging members of Stroud Athletics Club who helped us along. Looking forward to my own town Dursley being the next one to get a parkrun!

And finally, with half term on its way, there are a wide range of events to enjoy, many free or low cost. Nicer on the Water on June 1 is a chance to try stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing on the canal or the a trip on a narrow boat for the less adventurous!