In the past I have written about significant events occurring in the City and how we’ve had to deal with or manage them. This month I am going to write about today.

My first appointment was with the BBC at 8am who wanted to talk about the Levelling Up Fund application, which was submitted last week by the City Council, supported by the MP. The bid is for £20 million, which we have agreed to invest in regeneration projects. Those investments in the Forum, the former Debenhams building and in the Fleece hotel are the necessary adrenaline to kick-start them.

Following that interview I had to rush up to the office where I met a young man who had requested to meet some of the politicians on the Council as part of his work experience. He listened thoughtfully and asked some penetrating questions about how the Council functions, how it’s funded and what it does for residents.

“I always admire such dedication.”

Then I had certificates to sign for officers of the Council who have reached 25 years of service. I always admire such dedication. Before I left the office I had to say goodbye to the Corporate Director of the Council who is leaving into a form of early retirement after a number of years of excellent service.

After that was a meeting of the Gloucestershire Airport Shareholders Forum, which meets periodically to oversee major activities at the airport. For example, the plans to rebuild the runway and building of the new business park – CGX – which will fund the airport’s ability to repay the loans they have received from share-holders, which are Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council.

I’ve just had a short meeting to discuss the planned visit of the Mayor of Paju in South Korea in September. These ceremonial visits are extremely important and recognise great contributions from the city of Paju to Gloucester and Gloucestershire such as £92,000 for the Soldiers Museum and 1,000 sets of PPE sent for use here early in the pandemic when they knew there was a shortage throughout the country.

Finally, I’m just about to end the day with a briefing in preparation for the next Cabinet meeting, where we have a robust discussion with officers about the reports which the Executive have to agree.

Every day is full on, but no two days are the same!