26 September 2025
Hi everyone, it's been another busy week starting with a Tees Valley Leaders meeting on Monday morning. Meeting regularly with other leaders is a great opportunity to discuss what is happening in our areas and keep us up to date on current events in the region.
I then popped into the office to say a quick hello to 3 new graduates that have just joined the organisation. Afterwards, I caught up with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Iain Robinson, Assistant Director of Town Centre Development. It was great to meet with Iain and get an insight into our regeneration projects across the Borough and see how they are progressing.
On Tuesday morning I travelled to Teesside Airport for a site tour.
Wednesday was another busy day. I met with Geraldine Brown, Head of Policy, Development and Public Affairs, to prepare for our upcoming LGA Transformation Action Learning Workshops.
In the afternoon, I chaired the Council's Health and Wellbeing Board. I then met with Stockton-on-Tees' Member of Youth Parliament, Ethan.
On the evening, I attended the full Council meeting.
Yesterday I had a couple of meetings and various catch ups with Councillors, before attending the North East Business Awards at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. It was a fantastic night celebrating some truly incredible businesses and entrepreneurs in the North East.
This morning, I am headed back to Teesside Airport for the TVCA Cabinet meeting. This evening, I will be attending the Hitachi Gala Dinner to celebrate the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentenary ahead of this weekend.
Saturday, I am meeting a group of walkers who are walking from Darlington to Stockton along much of the route that Locomotion No.1 made. On Saturday evening, I will be travelling to Darlington for an event that starts at a minute past midnight. This will see the most modern Azuma train alongside Locomotion No.1. I am hoping that I can stay awake to make it!
As you might already know, Stockton is set to take centre stage this Sunday (28 September) as we celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway with the S&DR200 Festival. It's going to be a brilliant event, with a re-enactment of Locomotion No.1's first journey, followed by lots of fun activities in the town centre and finishing with the magical finale Ghost Train: The Arrival - the biggest outdoor show ever staged in Stockton! You can find full details of S&DR200 festival online and I encourage everyone to come along and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
After a busy week, I am looking forward to recharging with some time off next week. While I am on annual leave, Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Rowling will be covering some of the Leader duties for me.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I will see you on my return!
