Christmas message from Dursley mayor Alex Stennett

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we know the coming year will once again bring particular challenges for people trying to cope with the continued increased cost of living.

In what continues to be a challenging time for our local businesses, I do hope that some of your festive shopping can be done locally, supporting our small independent shops and businesses within the town centre.

Having been voted in as Mayor in May, I have very much enjoyed meeting with groups and individuals as part of my civic duties, including representing the Town Council at the larger events in the town centre.  

Within the first few days of my appointment it was my honour to play a part in Dursley’s Coronation celebrations for King Charles III.

The weather was not kind to us or the rest of the country but local residents did not let that spoil their enjoyment of the entertainment within the town centre on the day.

My thanks to those at St James Church who permitted and facilitated the use of the church for residents to view the coronation ceremony on large screens and TV’s as a community.

It was unfortunate that due to the extremely wet weather the annual November fireworks display had to be cancelled at short notice, I do hope the organisers have better fortune for the 2024 display as it has been a spectacular and well supported event in the past.

More recently I attended the Festive Dursley Switch On event which saw one of the largest ever attendances for our annual festive event.

It was lovely to see so many happy and smiling faces, with the younger members of our community enjoying the fake snow and Santa’s grotto.

A record number of young people visited Santa in his grotto this year on what was a busy night for Santa, the elves and other volunteers.

Our achievements over the year would not have been possible without the combined effort and commitment of so many dedicated volunteers, local organisations, traders, Councillors and staff of the Town Council.

I would like to personally thank you all for giving up your time to make these activities and projects possible as well as every member of the public for joining us on these occasions.

Every time I attend these events, I am amazed at what an amazing and diverse community we have.

In the coming year we will continue to work for the town and would ask that anyone willing and able to help out to please get in touch.  

Dursley Town Council will have elections in May 2024, I would ask you to consider the role of Town Councillor, which I have found very rewarding over nearly 17 years.

More information on the role and responsibilities is available on our website (www.dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk).

On behalf of all the Councillors and staff at Dursley Town Council, I wish you all a happy, safe and healthy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Cllr Alex Stennett

Dursley Town Mayor