The last month has been somewhat quiet in regard to formal events to attend as Mayor.

I attended the Salvation Army to see the tremendous efforts of those volunteers in packaging up toy and food boxes for those in need across our town.

The annual Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Carol Service in Woburn was as always a fabulous event that recognised the hard work all officers had undertaken in the year to keep all residents safe.

I finished the Christmas period at the Dunstable Fire Station on Christmas Eve dropping off some well deserved sweet treats and having a cup of tea. Talking to those on duty about their biggest challenges of 2023, it was clear the fire at Luton Airport was high on the list, as were some of the difficult road traffic accidents they had attended.

Since Christmas, I have been able to spend time with family and friends, picking up some liaison and planning meetings for future events.

This week I led a visit to the town of the Police and Crime Commissioner and was able to introduce him to a number of business owners who shared their concerns over the anti social behaviour being seen in town at the moment.

I’ve continued my liaison with the Old Palace Lodge team, and I’m pleased to hear how the interaction of the Town Council’s Youth and Community team is having positive effects on those taking part.

My focus for the next month are my three mayoral events. My Sunday Lunch at the Old Hunters Lodge is now sold out and I look forward to seeing everyone on the 28 January.

Tickets for my 80s night have literally flown off the website and this promises to be a fantastic night with lots of memories coming back …

My fun run / walk is progressing with all sponsorships from local businesses now in place – runners and walkers are now signing up to the event and I’m grateful for the support of my headline sponsor Beansprout Consultancy Ltd.

I am looking forward to the remaining few months of my Mayoral year and meeting with as many people as possible in that time.