Former teacher is new Wychavon Chairman
A former teacher is aiming to raise awareness of Wychavon's work to tackle climate change after taking on the role of Chairman of the Council.
Cllr Alex Sinton was officially handed the chain from outgoing Chairman Cllr Robert Raphael at Wychavon's Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday (18 May). He will be supported by Cllr Emma Kearsey who was elected Vice Chairman for the year.
The passionate Manchester United fan represents Droitwich Spa East on Wychavon having lived in the town since 1999. Born in Urmston in Manchester, Cllr Sinton was a primary school teacher in Manchester for many years before joining RGS Worcester in 1989, where he remained until retiring in 2011.
Cllr Sinton said: "It is a great honour to be made Chairman of Wychavon and I look forward to getting out and meeting more of our great communities and raising the profile of the council and the important work it performs.
"The success of Wychavon's Intelligently Green Plan is so important for all our futures and one of the things I hope to do in my year is to promote this to schools and support the activities of their eco-councils."
Cllr Raphael said his time as Chairman had been amazing. He said his highlights included the opening of the new pump track in Charity Brook park in Evesham, the community hub at Droitwich Spa High School, Pershore Wellbeing Centre and the 4G sports pitch at Evesham United.
Cllr Raphael added he was also proud to host the world premiere of Wychavon Sketches, a piece of music commissioned by Wychavon Festival of Brass to mark their 40th anniversary year.
Cllr Raphael said: "Of course, Covid-19 has been a significant part of my time as Chairman. The early part of the pandemic was new for all of us and chairing meetings with over fifty participants from a screen in my living room was daunting. I really would like to thank my colleagues, fellow councillors and officers, all of whom have been incredibly kind and understanding.
"I've enjoyed every second, it's made me a better councillor and opened my eyes to the many wonderful things that go on across our district and further afield."