Annual Report

Each year the Chairman of the Council makes a report, normally in April, reviewing the year just passed.  Below is the report covering the past year 2008/09 by the Chairman Councillor Keith Cafferty.  The Chairman's period of office ends in May.

ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - NANTWICH TOWN COUNCIL

Council Chairman Councillor Keith Cafferty.

In making this report as Chairman of the Nantwich Town Council, may I first of all thank my
fellow Councillors for their help, advice and support during my tenure.  I sincerely hope that
I have conducted the business of the Council to your satisfaction.  My thanks also are
extended to the Clerk and his assistant Jill, who, throughout the year, have provided me
with a superb service and administered my numerous projects efficiently and promptly, giving
advice where requested (not always taken), but always in the best interests of the Council.

When I took office as Chairman, I stated my intention to concentrate my efforts on bringing
the community of our town closer to the Council and its activities and role within the town
and I feel reasonably confident that this has been achieved.

During the course of my term I have opted for many changes, mainly with regard to the social
side of things and take great satisfaction in looking back on the ‘Gala Evening’, Christmas
meeting with Choral singing and the Town Service.

With regard to the Gala Evening, which raised over £4500 for the Geoff Thomas Foundation
into Leukaemia, it came at a stage in the year when my wife Barbara was diagnosed with
Hodgkins Lymphoma, but my family, and in particular my daughter Simone, “literally took over”
and produced a stunning event, I am sure all who attended would agree that it was a real
success.

Barbara and I have tried to fulfil all the invitations received to the various activities
throughout the year and without exception have been warmly welcomed, I have tried to
engage people in conversations and have continued the theme of pushing for an active and
robust Town Council. 

As stated in my monthly reports, I have been surprised and proud of the many organisations
flourishing in Nantwich and in the Borough.  These organisations fulfil a role in our community
regardless of age, race or class.  Long may it continue.  This Council’s support of some of
these organisations is on record and I trust we will be able to help in whatever way possible
in the future.  The benefits are there for all to see.

2008/09 has been a year of change, the biggest, of course, being the demise of both Crewe
& Nantwich Borough Council and Cheshire County Council to be replaced by a regional
Authority, Cheshire East Council. 

The advent of the Cheshire East Council has received a mixed reception, but it is now a fact,
and I feel that great benefits could be forthcoming to strong and vibrant local councils who
have a desire to achieve and grasp the opportunities that Cheshire East Council has to offer. 

There has always been a strong feeling that Nantwich has been classed as a poor relation in
the partnership with Crewe, but this is now a thing of the past.  Many  things have already
been achieved, but I believe we can now take a step up and prove to Cheshire East Council
that Nantwich Town Council is a progressive, active and efficient organisation, well placed to
face the challenges provided by the new Authority.

My optimism is founded on the fact that, regardless of political affiliation, there is the desire
amongst the elected Members to put “Nantwich first” and I am honoured and humbled to
have been able to serve as the Chairman of this Council.

In closing, it would be remiss of me not to say thank you to my Vice Chairman, Councillor
Edith Williams, for her steadfast support for Barbara and myself, particularly during the last 8 months.  Her willingness to attend functions, sometimes at short notice, was greatly
appreciated and she has been a reliable and valued deputy.

No Chairman should sign off without making a wish list, so here’s mine…

That this Council, regardless of political affiliation, continues to work in harmony
with regard to the town we were elected to serve in.

That Councillor McGinnis is rewarded to his tenacity regarding the First Responders
and his endeavours to restore ‘Blue Light status’ for that organisation.

That Cheshire East recognises and fulfils the promise of devolving certain services
to Town and Parish Councils and provides more localised control.

And finally, that we all see the fruits of our labours realised, in the Town we serve.

Thank you again and, most of all, thank you Barbara, for your help, encouragement and
support throughout the year.

Councillor Keith Cafferty, Chairman, Nantwich Town Council