I MET a remarkable variety of people in my first week as leader of Stroud District Council.

It started in a council tenant’s home where we discussed her HomeseekerPlus application, and ended chatting to Prince Charles when he opened Wallbridge Lower Lock.

I really believe that working in partnership with residents and organisations is the key to us getting things done.

The council’s chief executive David Hagg had a constructive meeting with parish and town councils on Tuesday, and on Thursday the group leaders and I had a positive meeting with Stroud Town Council and Stroud Town Trust to answer their questions about the new lease to run the Sub Rooms.

Saturday, February 3 – Sunday, March 4 - Cathedral of Cloth exhibition

I was fascinated by the Museum in the Park’s new exhibition, Cathedral of Cloth which I visited on Sunday.

Stroud District Council spends around £800,000 a year on arts and culture, and over £400,000 of that goes to the Museum in the Park.

It’s a remarkable museum that we’re very proud of, and a far cry from the dusty old museums many people remember from their childhood.

Cathedral of Cloth celebrates the unique industry of the Stroud valleys and of Ebley Mill in the years before it became the home of the council.

It runs through half term, and is linked to several hands-on free half term workshops exploring the art and science of colour and textiles.

Details are on the website www.museuminthepark.org.uk

As nice as my Ebley Mill office is, I’m keen to get to know other wards in the district just as well as I know my own ward of Dursley.

I made a start on Friday when I met Nailsworth councillors Steve Robinson and Sue Reed.

We discussed a number of the town’s issues, including the proposal to introduce car parking charges.

I’m looking forward to visiting other towns over the next few weeks.