Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council leader Tony Kingsbury has been reflecting on an “extraordinary year” in our area, and is excited about what is to come in 2023. 

2022 has been another extraordinary year.  

What it will be most remembered for, surely, will be the unprecedented Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and the collective mourning of the nation following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

She was a truly exceptional figurehead for our country for so long, and over such an incredible period during in which the world changed so much.  

Throughout that change she was a constant we could always look to, whether we were at home or abroad. We will always remember the amazing service she gave the nation for 70 years, and her dignity, warmth, and tireless devotion to duty as our longest-serving monarch. 

For many of us, including in Welwyn Hatfield, the year was also one where we emerged from the worst impacts of the pandemic.  

It was wonderful to see the full return of the council’s Big Summer, packed with free activities for families; the This Girl Can campaign encouraging women of all abilities to increase their participation in sport; a new Community Fair in Hatfield town centre; Christmas lights switch-ons in WGC and Hatfield; the hugely popular panto at Campus West; activities and events at our museum spaces, and The Hive in Hatfield; and, of course, the Proclamation of the new King. 

Being able to do these things is what building communities is all about, and I look forward to the council being ever-more involved with that important work.  

With a brand new, energetic and passionate leadership team in place, we have a great opportunity to continue to strengthen and improve our communities, our town centres, people’s homes, and our green spaces in 2023 and beyond. 

Finally, a word about our Civic Awards. These are a great way for us to show our appreciation of those who have worked so hard in achieving their goal in education or sport, or have done amazing things for their community over the last 12 months.  

Please do get nominating so that we can shine a light on Welwyn Hatfield’s unsung heroes. Deadline for nominations is January 30, so don’t delay.

Nominate online at www.welhat.gov.uk/civicawards or by calling 01707 357000.