Big Thinking in Wales (Hi – de – Hi campers)
The Wales consultation kicked off last week in pantomime spirit when the star of hit 80’s and 90’s sitcoms Hi-de-Hi! and You Rang, M’Lord?, Su Pollard, literally got the ball rolling to rally Welsh interest in our consultation. Su is currently starring in pantomime, at the Grand Theatre in Swansea, the venue for our first event in Wales. Her magic seemed to work.
The event was well attended and attracted a broad range of representatives from the public and third sectors, with thought-provoking discussions during both the open and workshop sessions. There was great relief when the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ style electronic voting buttons worked – as we were trying these out for the first time.
In Wales we have identified four strategic investment areas to consult on: older people; community asset transfer; climate change; and promoting the citizen’s voice. In addition to wide ranging public events, we are also hosting more focused stakeholder sessions each of which will hone in on one of those investment areas in detail. The first of these – on the citizen’s voice – was also held last week.
Our next event in Wales will be held in Llandudno in the New Year, followed by Abertillery and Aberystwyth, with the aim of collecting as many views as possible before the February closing date. In the meantime, cofion gorau a Nadolig llawen!