Appreciation for work in community

COMMUNITY is at the heart of everything we do. So the announcement Cheltenham has been recognised as a finalist nationally for community involvement during our First World War Cheltenham Remembers commemoration is fantastic.

So many organisations and individuals worked with the council and partners to make it so memorable.

There is so much that could be cited – the drama created by the Everyman to commemorate the Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses and doctors who saved so many lives; all those who came to remember individuals who had been killed, wore their names with pride and marched through town in the pouring rain; the research for the exhibition at The Wilson and, of course, the projection on the Municipal Building that has attracted so much attention and the rapper who gave it a modern flavour.

Three cheers too for all who took part – our current and former servicemen, schools and university as well as local voluntary groups.

But Cheltenham Remembers reflects just one of the community voluntary activities the council supports, there are many more.

From No Child Left Behind, Inspiring Families and Dementia Action Alliance to the Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership and U3A, volunteers come together to make life better for all of us.

It isn’t easy when money is tight but is really important to the wellbeing of our communities.

At the same time, the council is up for the Best Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship initiative award.

The quality of the Cemetery & Crematorium service has also been recognised as finalists in the Best Service Team of the Year category.

This was the result of work by many partners, including voluntary groups.

So, thank you in particular to all the volunteers. Cheltenham appreciates all you do and both understands and values your commitment to our town and its residents.

As a council, we will continue our support for what you do in financial, technical and other ways as much as we can.

Councillor Flo Clucas Swindon Village