Is there anything better than a massive Sunday dinner, a beer garden and a long walk home to make you feel slightly less guilty about it all?

The weather’s been beautiful this weekend and we’ve made the most of it by strolling through Nunthorpe Village and heading to The Treebridge for food. It’s a family favourite walk – but I feel it would be made better still by a path that extends the whole way, as it currently cuts off where the village ends. I would love to know people’s thoughts on this.

I’ve also been in the village this week chatting to residents and asking how I can help improve life for those living there – and I’m keen to learn more. If any of the villagers would like to chat then please just get in touch.

Here are three other things I’ve been up to this week to support all things Nunthorpe.

1. Prom time

It made me so proud of our area to attend Chandlers Ridge Academy’s inaugural Proms in the Playground event. My children George, eight, and Harriet, six, took part alongside some truly talented performers.

I know there will have been sleep lost by Friends of Chandlers Ridge who helped organise the event alongside teachers. But the sun blazed whilst around 500 family and friends enjoyed picnics and Prosecco. Well done to everyone who made the event such a success.

2. Taking stock

This week I attended the executive meeting of Nunthorpe Community Council to discuss its upcoming Summer Fun Day – taking place on July 20. It looks set to be a fantastic event including donkey rides, gosling raptors, a variety of stalls and…stocks (which it sounds as though I’m destined for). 

3. Mapping it

I’m sure Grey Towers residents are thrilled that they finally have a resurfaced road – after many years of it being plagued by potholes.

To keep the momentum I teamed up with Cllr. Jon Rathmell and put a shout out on social media to ask for the areas where road surfaces need attention.

We’ve had plenty of feedback – including issues on High Gill, Runnymede and Skiddaw Court. The incidents have all been reported and if there are any other areas please don’t hesitate to let me know.

If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on 07938119858. My next ward surgery will take place on Monday, July 1 at 6.30pm at Nunthorpe Institute. Make sure to pop by!

Once again it’s all change – and I’m thrilled to have accepted a position in Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston’s cabinet as executive member for culture, communities and communication.

I have bags to learn as I meet with heads of departments, shadow key members of staff and get into the nitty-gritty of the current cultural offering of Middlesbrough Council.

But I’m determined to roll up my sleeves, get stuck in and let the world know what an amazing part of the world it is we live in, Nunthorpe – of course – included. And on that note, here are three Nunthorpe things that I have been involved in this week to help improve our area.

1. Pop by!

I kicked off the week with my second ward surgery at Nunthorpe Institute within The Avenue Primary School on Monday evening.

I host them every two weeks from 6.30pm until 7.30pm and it’s a pleasure to meet residents who put their trust in me to deal with their issues. Next time I intend to come armed with tea and biscuits too.

2. Snap snap

Nunthorpe is a stunning place. We all know that.

So with that in mind I’ve launched a photography competition aiming get some eye-catching imagery to include in my proposed ‘Welcome to Nunthorpe’ pack for new residents.

To join in, simply share your Nunthorpe pictures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the #WelcomeToNunthorpe hashtag. Alternatively inbox the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook Page or email me. Contact details below.  

3. King of the swingers

The sad case of the missing swings is almost cracked, with council officers ensuring that they are set to be replaced soon.

There was a hold up due to bad weather but the work at the Mallowdale Park is scheduled to start on Monday, June 24.

The play area will be closed for around eight days for resurfacing work, but once complete the swings will be reinstated. Yippee!

If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on 07938119858. My next ward surgery will take place on Monday, July 1 at 6.30pm at Nunthorpe Institute. Make sure to pop by!

Phew.

It’s been another cram-packed week this week – kicking off with the Nunthorpe Community Council meeting on Tuesday evening.

And what a fantastic meeting it was – tea, cake and hopes for a Prosecco tent (mine) at the upcoming Summer Fun Day 2019.

Here is a whistle stop look at three things I’ve been doing this week to improve Nunthorpe.

1. Doctor doctor

Nunthorpe is in need of a new GP surgery.

God knows I’ve had my use out of the current one on Guisborough Road…With two young kids I can remember a time of almost weekly visits with one of us needing help for one crisis or another.

My family owes so much to the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff at the surgery on Guisborough Road. But the building was never designed for its current level of demand – and with a growing Nunthorpe our MP Simon Clarke and I agree we need a new purpose-built surgery. Residents and staff deserve it.

We chatted to the NHS South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group about the next steps in achieving this and we’ll keep you updated with progress.

2. Feels like home

I want to make sure that all of our new residents feel welcomed to their Nunthorpe home.

This week I have proposed the idea of a ‘Welcome Pack’ for new residents to the area that would list key contact details and information – such as medical contacts, ward councillor details, important dates and even a bit of naughty Nunthorpe history.

Let me know your thoughts!

3. Pleased to meet you

As well as the NCC meeting, I this week attended Nunthorpe Parish Council meeting and had a catch up with our PCSO Kristen Youngman.

High on the agenda; problem parking.

This is an issue that affects many areas of Nunthorpe, particularly around our primary schools – and fellow Nunthorpe councillor Jon Rathmell and I are keen to tackle it by working with police and council officers.

It was also lovely to meet with St Bernadette’s headteacher, the wonderful Mr Conway and have a catch up with the lovely Mrs Lidgard, headteacher at Chandlers Ridge Academy. One of the things we discussed was the potential for a walking bus in Nunthorpe, with both heads keen to help.

If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on 07938119858. My next ward surgery will take place on Monday, June 17 at 6.30pm at Nunthorpe Institute. Make sure to pop by!

I must have checked the time and date 100 times.

Would I be locked out? Would I be besieged by questions I didn’t have a clue how to answer? Would anyone turn up at all?

I needn’t have worried as my first ward surgery went off without a hitch – and it was absolutely lovely to meet some fantastic Nunthorpe residents who’d come along to introduce themselves and talk about the matters important to them.

So, without further ado, here are three things that I’ve been involved in this week in Nunthorpe, hoping to help make it a better place to live.

1. Park it

I mentioned The Avenue park in my first blog and I’m pleased to say that thanks to council officers we are now working with Nunthorpe Parish Council to think about the improvements we would like see at the site.

As mentioned previously, Parish Councillor Dave Tait has pushed for a replacement of the tired slide and it would be great to see this come to fruition. We’re set to meet with officers at the site soon and I will keep you updated with any progress made.

2. On the ball

On Thursday night I went along to one of two Nunthorpe Athletic Junior Football Club presentation evenings. It’s almost a year since the club made a huge change to its set up, moving its base from Nunthorpe and Marton Recreation Ground to Nunthorpe Academy where all is going well.

It was a pleasure to watch the young footballers – including my son George – be rewarded for their dedication. It was also lovely to hear parents and grandparents acknowledged for making the commitment to support their children in the sport.

A special thanks though to Colin Mohan and his team of volunteers that run the club. The philosophy of the club is so important – centring on enjoyment of the game above all else. Well done to all.

3. More tea vicar!

St Mary’s Church is a cornerstone in Nunthorpe’s community.

I was delighted to accept an invitation from Reverend Tessa Stephens to meet over a cuppa and chat about her role, the kinds of experiences she has had during her year looking after the church and her hopes for the future.

Tessa is passionate about supporting the Nunthorpe community and seeing more community events in our area. I’ve heard great things about Scramblers which is a weekly youth group packed with fun, crafts and games for children aged between three and six. Tessa has been instrumental in the growth of this popular group – and would like to consider the introduction of groups for older children too.

If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on my mobile 07938119858. My next ward surgery will take place on Monday, June 17 at 6.30pm at Nunthorpe Institute at The Avenue Primary School. Make sure to pop by!

Cagoule? Check.

Cardigan? Check.

GP’s letter to give to security staff detailing possible medical issues arising? Check.

Add to that my complete ignorance of any act other than maybe Little Mix then Bob’s your uncle: festival cool.

But middle-agedness aside, the Radio 1 Big Weekend at Stewart Park did not disappoint. It was a breathtaking event and it made me prouder than ever to call TS7, Middlesbrough and Teesside home. And we can’t forget Nunthorpe & Marton Knitters’ efforts, hitting national headlines once again for their amazing homage to the stars – knitted Miley included.

It’s been a busy week catching up on ward councillor duties after a break away with my family. And, as promised, here is a quick round up of what I’ve been up to this week to help keep Nunthorpe a fantastic place to live.

1. All in the planning

David Wilson Homes is set to apply for a variation in its planning permission on Phase 8 of Grey Towers Village, taking it from 60 to 102 dwellings. I was invited, along with fellow ward councillor Jon Rathmell and Marton West councillors Chris and John Hobson, to attend the developer’s public consultation on Thursday. One takeaway point was that, if given permission, these properties will now be Barratt properties rather than David Wilson Homes.

I also put on my planning hat to be trained up so I can substitute my colleague Cllr David Coupe on the planning committee if the need arises. It’s a vast subject to get to grips with but Middlesbrough Council put on a fantastic session for newbies.

2. Working together

It was a pleasure to have a ‘walk the ward’ session with Middlesbrough Council’s Community Safety Intervention & Prevention Officer Melanie Boyce and PSCO Kristin Youngman, organised by my fellow ward councillor Jon Rathmell.

We talked about CCTV cameras and the possibility for more in hot spot areas to help curb antisocial behaviour. We believe that by working together we will be able to help prevent this problem in certain areas of Nunthorpe.

3. Walking the walk

Last week was Living Streets’ Walk to School Week. One of the ideas I put forward when I was campaigning to become a ward councillor was the idea of a walking bus for Nunthorpe. Put simply, this is a scheme – working in other parts of the UK – whereby children are dropped of at a designated point and walked to school by trained volunteers. The benefits of a scheme such as this are not only on reducing traffic, pollution and improving parking issues but also on the health and well-being of children. I have arranged to meet with Nunthorpe primary heads to consult on the issue and will ask the council for support.

If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on 07938119858. My first ward surgery will take place on June 3 at 6.30pm at Nunthorpe Institute. Make sure to pop by!

“Can the goldfish vote for you mum?”.

I certainly wished they could have when it was revealed at the Middlesbrough Council local election count that there was just ten votes between me and fellow candidate Lesley McGloin – and there was to be a nail-biting recount.

I very quickly abandoned my post overlooking the counting tables – having realised I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what I was looking for – and held my breath for what seemed like an eternity…But thankfully it was the result I’d been hoping for and I was absolutely delighted to be given the honour of representing the people of Nunthorpe as ward councillor alongside Jon Rathmell. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single one of you who took the time to vote – and give my promise that I won’t let you down.

After a wine (ahem) in The Rudds to celebrate it was time for the hard work to begin, the purpose of this blog being to keep residents up to date with any key developments resulting from my endeavours. And so, without further ado, here are this week’s top three bits of Nunthorpe news:

1. Fields for all

This week I met with James Hayton, the chair of Nunthorpe and Marton Playing Fields Association which looks after the recreation ground on Guisborough Road. It was a productive meeting whereby he emphasised that the fields – originally gifted to the people of the area by Lady Harrison – are for the enjoyment of all, be it for a kick around with the kids to a summer picnic. Enjoy them!

2. Keen and green  

I also met with Wade Tovey of Our Greenways, which looks to protect green spaces across south Middlesbrough. He’s an impressive man – with an MBE no less! – and a real Nunthorpe stalwart. I look forward to working with his team, which has a similar outlook to me – opposing further housing developments without proper consideration for infrastructure.

3. Playing out

Wednesday saw the monthly Nunthorpe Parish Council meeting. One issue that was raised was The Avenue play park and its lacklustre equipment, including slide which parish councillor Dave Tait has campaigned to replace. Swings are also still missing from the park on the green space next to Dixons Bank. I’m meeting with the responsible officer on Monday to chat about how we can improve our parks in Nunthorpe.

It’s been a busy first week and I can’t wait to start seeing positive changes that will help improve the lives for everyone living in Nunthorpe. If you have any concerns, issues, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me either via the Nunthorpe Matters Facebook page, via mieka_smiles@middlesbrough.gov.uk or on my mobile 07938119858.

NOTE: I am away on holiday from Tuesday, May 14 – Saturday, May 25. My first ward surgery will take place on June 3 at 7pm at Nunthorpe Institute. Make sure to pop by!