THE NEW chairman and vice chairman of South Gloucestershire Council for the next year were announced at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, May 27.

Cllr Erica Williams (Con, Bitton) is now chairman and Cllr Kathy Morris (Con, Downend) is vice chairman.

Due to their new majority on the council as a result of the election, all council committees are now chaired by Conservative members.

Outgoing chairman of South Gloucestershire Council Howard Gawler marked the end of his year in the position by presenting two cheques to charities at the meeting.

A total of £5,629 has been raised through a variety of fundraising events – including a charity skydive – and went to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) and the Hosanna Primary School Support Group based in Yate which helps children at a school in Kampala, Uganda.

The cheques were received by fundraiser Ella Mayne on behalf of GWAAC and Maggie Maclean who runs the Hosanna Primary School Support Group.

Speaking at the council’s Annual General Meeting, Mr Gawler thanked all those who had donated to his chosen charities during the year and said he would personally double the amount raised which with Gift Aid would take the total to an estimated £13,000.

South Gloucestershire Council’s chairman and vice chairman are elected each year at the council’s annual meeting and represent the organisation at civic functions, as well as chairing meetings of full council.