28 November 2025

Hello everyone, I hope you have had a lovely week.

I had a lovely weekend with my niece Shari who is a 10 year old diva. Sunday was the second anniversary of my Mam's passing, but I decided to celebrate her life rather than mourn her death. Shari and I went out shopping (I gave her a Primark budget). We then had food at Wagamama before going to see Wicked For Good. You need to know that I am the ultimate musical fan. I laughed, I sang and I cried, and I had a great weekend.

My week began with a meeting between fellow Tees Valley Leaders, where we caught up on what is happening in our respective areas and current events across the region. It is always good to get their views on what is happening across the Tees Valley. We always have similar issues but will always champion our own areas.

Later in the day I joined Mike Greene, Chief Executive, for a catch up with Tracey Carter, our Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth. This department do amazing work, and I am thankful for all they do. I love going into my office every day. I pull the blinds back and look at the amazing progress on our Waterfront Park. Every day has a different view, and I am very proud of our ambition.

I then had a briefing on the government's Fair Funding Review. Finance isn't my strongest point, but my Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Rowling along with the newly appointed Chief Finance Officer, Clare Harper, explain it in simple terms, so that I understand!

On Tuesday, my day mainly consisted of different meetings and catch ups, including speaking to Jonathan Nertney, our Head of Democratic Services, for our regular meeting. I then went across to Hudson Quay for the launch of Tees Valley Housing Partnership.

In the afternoon, I caught up with Paul Burns from Tees Valley Music Alliance to discuss some future projects. I love our Georgian Theatre, and I am there often!

After this, I met with the Director of Public Health, Sarah Bowman-Abouna to discuss our priorities for the Health and Wellbeing Board. I then met with officers to discuss the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Communications Plan.

On Wednesday morning, I met with Tara Connor, Assistant Director for Culture, Library and Events to discuss local artists and their involvement in Stockton Sparkles as well as the opening of our fabulous Waterfront Park. I am, and always will be, unashamedly Stockton.

Later in the day I attended a briefing on my portfolio which is Education, Employment and Skills. I love this portfolio and the team I work with. We can make a real difference. Chris Renehan and the whole team at our Employment and Skills Hub do an amazing job.

Thursday morning allowed me to catch up on case work and emails. In the afternoon I met with, Nigel Jessop, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Volunteering Matters. I have committed to volunteer at different projects every week and this week I will be out with Nigel picking up a lovely resident to take them to the LiveWell Hub, a community-based service that provides dementia information, support and training for anyone living in Stockton-on-Tees.

I then attended Stockton Crematorium with Darren Robinson, Crematorium Manager and Registrar, and Dale Rowbotham, Service Manager, to look around the premises and meet the staff. They know that I have been hesitant to visit because of the sensitivity of the service, but I was absolutely blown away by this team. Their sensitivity, empathy and care for the families they deal with was totally inspiring.

In the evening, I headed to Stockton Sparkles, and it was amazing to see the crowds turning up for our light switch on.

I then headed to the Globe Theatre to attend the North East Culture Awards. The awards ceremony showcases culture, heritage and art in our region, celebrating the wonderful impact and contribution of our cultural landscape. I loved that our fabulous Globe Theatre was the venue to showcase this event. I presented an award and offered visitors a future tour of our amazing, successful, art deco theatre. I reflected on my lovely Mam in my speech and recalled her lovely memories of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the very superstitious, Stevie Wonder.

This morning, I am heading over to Teesside Airport for an informal catch up with the TVCA Cabinet.

Later today I am meeting with the events team to talk about exciting plans for an events programme next year, including the opening of our stunning Waterfront Park.

This weekend I am hoping to have a chilled-out weekend, although I may indulge in some Northern Soul on Sunday. Have a great weekend with your family.