LOCAL couple, Chris and Bella Johnson became the latest members to join the Rotary Club of Ledbury and the evening event saw chairman of the Town Council, Nina Shields as the club's special speaker.

Chris and Bella who are both well known in the town remarked that they were delighted to be part of the Rotary movement and looked forward to participating in the many and varied activities whilst serving the community.

Nina thanked members for the invitation to talk at their meeting and said she would be happy to take questions.

Having outlined the Town Council structure and some of the issues facing it, she was happy to report on progress before turning to the future.

She said; "The whole council is up for election in May. This is a good opportunity to get some 'new blood' on to the council, particularly as some councillors have indicated that they are standing down.

"The democratic process works best when all sections of the community are represented.

"It's useful if some candidates have some middle management experience but key is the ability to keep an open mind and constructively debate different points of view.

"The council is planning some open sessions in February/March to explain to those interested how the Town Council operates and what is involved in being a councillor."

Club president David Tombs commented that it was a pleasure to induct new members, and to hear the issues and challenges for the future facing the Town Council, with the hope for a brighter future for all concerned.