the forthcoming Elections?

• Elections for South Kesteven District Council are taking p lace across the region on Thursday 4th May

• South Kesteven has 30 local areas called Wards and the SKDC is made up of 56 representatives

• Residents in the Market and West Deeping Ward can votes for up to three District Councillors

• Residents in Deeping St James can also vote for up to three District Councillors

• Everyone over the age of 18 years has the right and responsibility to vote in the election

• Casting your vote can be done by post, or privately in person at the polling booth on the day

• A postal vote must be filled in and sent back in sufficient time to arrive by 4th May

Very excitingly, this year I’ll also be running creative workshops and guided walks with Sarah Lambert, a super-talented ecologist and photographer. They’ll be gentle, mindful nature-connecting times (with cake!). Sarah and I are Artists in Residence with Langdyke Countryside Trust, so we’ll be running these events mainly on Langdyke’s beautiful nature reserves, sharing our knowledge and love of these special places.

The first Langdyke workshop is on Wednesday 10th May at Torpel Nature Reserve (near Helpston), when I’ll be showing you how to make ‘Miniature Nature Treasure Boxes’ – using air-drying clay to create mini treasures inspired by wildflowers. We’ll decorate the little boxes with prints made using real leaves. It’ll be a lot of fun! (Tickets £38, plus booking fee, booking essential.)

On Mid-Summer’s Day, Wednesday 21st June, Sarah and I will lead an evening walk on ‘Westings Meadow’. We’ll be sharing our research into its history and biodiversity, as we enjoy a gentle evening stroll on this historic site.

Details of the Langdyke events can be found at www.langdyke.org.uk

I hope you’ll be able to join me at one of these events and sign up to receive my newsletter with updates of art, workshops, local history and nature. Meanwhile, if you come across any historic references to Westings Meadow I’d love to hear from you!

• When voting in person it is now a requirement to bring some form of photo identification with you e.g. passport, driver’s licence, bus pass, blue badge, Voter Authority Certificate

• Every vote counts equally and you are free to choose any combination of candidates that you wish

• Councillors all sign up to a respectful Code of Conduct based on the Seven Principles of Public Life

• It is a criminal offence to make false or misleading statements about other candidates

• Each Independent candidate should be elected on their own personal reputation for achievement

• Vote for candidates that have a proven track record of delivering improvements for the Deepings

• ‘Independent’ is not a political party

Note:

Presiding Officers will have a long and busy day at the polling stations on 4th May and you may have to wait for your turn to voteplease be patient and understanding when voting in person.

Your vote counts. If you already know me, you will be aware of my love for the Deepings and of my enthusiasm to contribute positively to improve our local services. I understand the area well and have demonstrated my commitment and leadership throughout many years of working, volunteering, and contributing to community development activities here. I am standing for election to the District Council because I have the experience and determination to get a much fairer deal for the Deepings.

My ambition continues to be building a strong and healthy community across the Deepings.

Through my work on the Neighbourhood Plan group and Market Deeping Town Council, I am currently working and leading on projects to address a range of concerns in the Deepings - this includes the provision of Leisure facilities and the protection of Mill Field. I am also progressing the Library extension project and working on achieving other aspects of a thriving town.

Standing out from the crowd. I am genuinely Independent and have no political background and no allegiance to any political party or to any group or individuals. My sole focus is to work constructively with others to ensure Deepings residents get their fair and rightful share of district funds, directed in the most productive ways for the benefit of our community. I can be relied on to work respectfully with others to achieve the best outcomes for the Deepings.