Christmas messages 2023 from Cam chair and Dursley mayor

In what continues to be a challenging time for our local businesses, I do hope that some of your festive shopping can be done locally, supporting our small independent shops and businesses within the town centre.

Having been voted in as Mayor in May, I have very much enjoyed meeting with groups and individuals as part of my civic duties, including representing the Town Council at the larger events in the town centre.  

Within the first few days of my appointment it was my honour to play a part in Dursley’s Coronation celebrations for King Charles III.

The weather was not kind to us or the rest of the country but local residents did not let that spoil their enjoyment of the entertainment within the town centre on the day.

My thanks to those at St James Church who permitted and facilitated the use of the church for residents to view the coronation ceremony on large screens and TV’s as a community.

It was unfortunate that due to the extremely wet weather the annual November fireworks display had to be cancelled at short notice, I do hope the organisers have better fortune for the 2024 display as it has been a spectacular and well supported event in the past.

More recently I attended the Festive Dursley Switch On event which saw one of the largest ever attendances for our annual festive event.

It was lovely to see so many happy and smiling faces, with the younger members of our community enjoying the fake snow and Santa’s grotto.

A record number of young people visited Santa in his grotto this year on what was a busy night for Santa, the elves and other volunteers.

Our achievements over the year would not have been possible without the combined effort and commitment of so many dedicated volunteers, local organisations, traders, Councillors and staff of the Town Council.

I would like to personally thank you all for giving up your time to make these activities and projects possible as well as every member of the public for joining us on these occasions.

Every time I attend these events, I am amazed at what an amazing and diverse community we have.

In the coming year we will continue to work for the town and would ask that anyone willing and able to help out to please get in touch.  

Dursley Town Council will have elections in May 2024, I would ask you to consider the role of Town Councillor, which I have found very rewarding over nearly 17 years.

More information on the role and responsibilities is available on our website (www.dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk).

On behalf of all the Councillors and staff at Dursley Town Council, I wish you all a happy, safe and healthy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Christmas messages from Dursley mayor Cllr Alex Stennett (left) and chair of Cam Parish Council Cllr Jon Fulcher (right) (Image: Dursley Town Council and Cam Parish Council)

Christmas message from chair of Cam Parish Council Cllr Jon Fulcher

As another year goes by it is a time to both reflect and look ahead. During 2023, we enjoyed many rewarding local events from fun days at Jubilee Field last summer to the recent Christmas celebration in central Cam.

Working collaboratively, Cam Parish Council (CPC) tries to reach as many residents and groups as possible, whether through grants, hosting events, or advice and lobbying.  

GL11 continues to shine as a beacon, our churches support people both with and without faith while volunteers within organisations or operating outside formal structures give their time freely and selflessly.

With these unsung stars of our community in mind CPC is launching the Clifton Community Award next year.

If SNJ readers know of someone who volunteers/works for the benefit of others in the Cam area, going above and beyond, then let us know and we will arrange for them to receive some well-deserved acknowledgement.

Upcoming future highlights include engagement with young residents aged 11-17 to plan the next improvement at Jubilee Playing Field.

In a similar vein, CPC intends to make some of the money we receive as development contributions, known as Community Infrastructure Levy, available to community groups with grant funding for projects that benefit Cam.  

We will also play our part next June in marking the WWII D-Day landings. 

As chair of Cam Parish Council over the last three years I have witnessed greater engagement and targeted help within our community.  

Now, in my last six-months of leading council, I can say we are putting Cam firmly on the map ensuring our community is being heard by decision makers.

My door remains open to any resident, business or organisation that would appreciate my time.

On behalf of council staff and fellow councillors I would like to wish all Cam’s parishioners a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.