Embark<strong>in</strong>g on a Collective Journey: Shap<strong>in</strong>g the Future of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ilove a good quote - and I read one this week which really sung to me - "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." It felt that this could have been written specifically for our emerg<strong>in</strong>g "<strong>Lichfield</strong> District 2050" document - as much a strategy as it is a rally<strong>in</strong>g call for unity. It envisions a future where <strong>Lichfield</strong> District stands not only as an exemplar for the UK but also as a benchmark for others to aspire to. A lofty goal, admittedly, but one that demonstrates the ambition we f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> every corner of this district. As I read through the draft document, it's evident that this journey can't rely on a few organisations to carry on bus<strong>in</strong>ess as usual, but will require a shared commitment from all of us. The District Council, County Council, town, city, and parish councils, along with health and emergency services, are all set to play crucial roles, but it is the unsung heroes – the community, charity, and third sector organisations – who already pour their hearts <strong>in</strong>to this place we call home who will make the biggest impact as we forge ahead. At the heart of this endeavour is you (and yes, I mean you!) – <strong>in</strong>dividuals whose passion and participation will shape our neighbourhoods over the com<strong>in</strong>g years. By Doug Pullen, Leader of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council Four priorities stand as pillars for this ambitious endeavour: Confidence, Prosperity, Activity, and Green liv<strong>in</strong>g. Confident communities that are cohesive and work together to ensure a high-quality life for all of us; prosperous communities where bus<strong>in</strong>esses flourish; active communities provid<strong>in</strong>g a wide range of opportunities to keep us fit and healthy; and green communities that help us preserve our natural environment. These aren't just buzzwords; they signify a vision where the district thrives <strong>in</strong> every sense. But the proof of the pudd<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong> the milestones, set for 2028, 2038, and the ultimate crescendo of 2050. These are markers that will guide the way, quantify<strong>in</strong>g the progress and keep<strong>in</strong>g us on track. However, as the strategy acknowledges, this isn't a path paved by a select few. It's a road that needs validation, critique, and most importantly, <strong>in</strong>volvement from everyone who calls <strong>Lichfield</strong> District home. Is the ambition grand enough? Does it align with your concerns and values? Can you see yourself contribut<strong>in</strong>g towards its realisation? I highly encourage you to take this piece of work not as just “another council strategy," but as a call to action. Your voice matters, your contribution counts, and your presence <strong>in</strong> this journey is <strong>in</strong>valuable. Please look out for <strong>in</strong>formation over the com<strong>in</strong>g weeks, read the strategy, and let us know the good, the bad and the ugly - but most importantly, how you might want to get <strong>in</strong>volved! A Council to be Proud Of By Darren Ennis, Leader of Burntwood Town Council Despite the typical ups and downs of a British August and the unseasonal ra<strong>in</strong>, our Council team cont<strong>in</strong>ued to offer a range of outdoor events and activities throughout the summer holidays. We braved the elements to br<strong>in</strong>g the annual Play <strong>in</strong> the Parks and no fewer than eight events were hosted around our local parks. These events take me back to the 1990s by provid<strong>in</strong>g the opportunity to have a simple meet up with friends, enjoy a picnic and play some games. It has been a pleasure to see so many young children and their parents tak<strong>in</strong>g advantage of local facilities and simply hav<strong>in</strong>g fun together. Our regular community events and partnerships have cont<strong>in</strong>ued to highlight the importance of provid<strong>in</strong>g ongo<strong>in</strong>g support to families and children whilst schools were closed. Play <strong>in</strong> the Parks provided the ideal platform for us and our partners to ensure that we can provide food free of charge for families that may need this support. I believe this, and our other cont<strong>in</strong>ued work <strong>in</strong> the community, is someth<strong>in</strong>g we can all be rightly proud of. We were pleased with the <strong>in</strong>terest from the BBC dur<strong>in</strong>g Play <strong>in</strong> the Parks at Spr<strong>in</strong>ghill Primary School. They <strong>in</strong>terviewed the Spark team regard<strong>in</strong>g their partnership with Fairshare and the pressures faced by families over the summer. We are so fortunate to have a range of amaz<strong>in</strong>g community groups and bus<strong>in</strong>esses that have stepped up to work with us to help locally, 10 despite this be<strong>in</strong>g a nationwide issue. Although we celebrate our various achievements to date, Burntwood Town Council is now focussed on press<strong>in</strong>g ahead with further amaz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the launch of the Burntwood Town Council Student Awards <strong>in</strong> memory of Stephen Sutton MBE. The awards provide the opportunity for young people <strong>in</strong> Burntwood to apply for £1,000 which they may spend on improv<strong>in</strong>g and enrich<strong>in</strong>g their lives whether this is through the arts, sport<strong>in</strong>g endeavours or academic studies. We are passionate about improv<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the futures of young people <strong>in</strong> Burntwood and we cannot wait to start. We are also look<strong>in</strong>g forward to the outcome of our marvellous Sunflower competition. This is open to all children <strong>in</strong> Burntwood and closes on the 10th <strong>September</strong>. To enter the competition, simply send <strong>in</strong> a picture of your sunflower, along with its height, to <strong>in</strong>fo@burntwood-tc.gov.uk for a chance to w<strong>in</strong> a £20 book voucher. The next <strong>in</strong>stalment of our Burntwood Dementia Friendly Walk is to be held on the 1st of October. The last one had massive turnout even though it ra<strong>in</strong>ed cats and dogs! Burntwood Town Council is committed to be<strong>in</strong>g a Dementia Friendly Town, rais<strong>in</strong>g awareness of the impact of dementia <strong>in</strong> our community, and to highlight the fact that there are services and places people can go for support locally. I am always proud of what we achieve as a council, how we always punch above our weight, and how our staff go above and beyond to make sure Burntwood is a better place for all. We cont<strong>in</strong>ue to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> our young people, work with community groups and support our residents wherever we can. A council to be proud of.
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