Almost four years ago I was persuaded to accept an invitation to fill an unpaid Councillor vacancy on Maghull Town Council (co-option), due to my retirement, voluntary work around Maghull (resulting in the Friends of Maghull & District) and my prompting and engagement as part of a steering group to create Maghull’s first public work of art the ‘Compassion in Conflict’ statue.
I entered as an Independent to avoid the potential inter party political dynamics, striving to work harmoniously with everyone to focus tirelessly on delivering positive outcomes for our town. Despite the constraints of the pandemic, the role alongside other charitable responsibilities, it has led to countless achievements and has really been worth all the long hours.
I would like to thank all the fellow councillors for their friendship and advice along the way and wish all the future councillors every success on behalf of our community.
However, I would like to reserve a huge thank you to the unsung permanent council officers who work so hard in the background making the council work seamlessly and delivering on all the council’s ambitions, with professionalism, experience, expertise, continuity, dedication and good humour. With special thanks to Angela (Town Clerk/Chief Executive), Phil (Community Services Manager), Siobhan, Stefanie, Kevin (Administration), Derek (and predecessor Alex – Amenities Manager) and his fantastic maintenance team that keep our parks looking so immaculate (Rob, Paul, Henry, Joe, Derek, John and Paul who now works in Lydiate). Most people in our community have no idea how brilliant this small team is and how often they go above and beyond for our community.
For my part (Friends of Maghull & District – FOMD) I/we hope to continue our good partnership work with our town council which has delivered even more positive outcomes. For example: (1) obtaining a £3100 grant for the running costs of the most successful (in Sefton) Warm Hub (Cosy Club), for the vulnerable in Maghull, (2) obtaining a recent £6000 grant for the essential digital equipment and services for the new Maghull Advice Centre which will make a massive impact in supporting the council and volunteers who are already making unbelievable differences for the vulnerable residents in our community, (3) catalyst and hopefully ongoing member of the editorial team for the Maghull community quarterly magazine (Maghull Press), which since the loss of the Champion newspaper provides a well-received crucial communication medium that enables a community to be a community, (4) and countless other achievements.
Please help our community during challenging times by engaging more with the town council and our local community groups (eg www.fomd.co.uk). You will be made very welcome and can make our home an even better place to live.
Best Wishes,
Frank
Cllr (until 9.5.23!) Dr Frank Sharp (FOMD Director)