Leadership blog - 23.05.19

23 May 2019 - Annual council and some amazing events

In my previous blog I was looking forward to two great weekends of spectacular Sunderland events and I am very pleased to say that they were a big hit with residents and visitors alike.

The 5k, 10k and half marathon races were absolutely fantastic and it was such a pleasure to see our new bridge, Northern Spire, act as the focal point for the new 5k event introduced this year.

Then we had a new addition to the events programme last weekend with the Scrantastic food festival in Houghton. Again, it proved to be really popular and a great way to spend a few hours with family and friends. For those who either missed it or want to enjoy something similar again soon, I'd recommend the Sunderland Food & Drink Festival taking place in the City Centre from 21 to 23 June.

Not only does Sunderland have a reputation for staging great events but we are also increasingly known for being a leading digital city. As a result, it was fantastic to see the new Google Digital Garage Skills Hub launched here last week. The Deputy Leader was honoured to attend and say a few words about how delighted we are that the Digital Garage, in collaboration with the Good Things Foundation will be helping people develop and enhance their digital skills to benefit both their personal and professional lives.

Finally, we also held the Annual Meeting of Council last week which includes the Mayor Making Ceremony and I am very pleased to say that the former Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Snowdon, became Mayor. He will be supported by his wife, Councillor Dianne Snowdon as Mayoress and the new Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors Harry and Dorothy Trueman.

I am also very pleased to welcome to the Cabinet as the new portfolio holder for Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Rebecca Atkinson and Councillor Kevin Johnston as deputy portfolio holder.

Cllr Graeme Miller
Leader