New chairwoman for Thatcham Vision

Stephanie Steevenson has taken over the role and she said she is looking forward to the challenge ahead

THATCHAM Vision has a new chairwoman.

Community stalwart, Stephanie Steevenson, has taken over the role and said that she was very much looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The position became available after former chairman, Clifford Smith, announced that he would be moving to France as part of his retirement.

Ms Steevenson admitted that by the time they realised that Mr Smith could not continue in the role of the chairman, the idea of taking over as the chairwoman was already in the back of her mind as she had just stepped down as chairwoman of the neighbourhood action group (NAG).

She is best known to people in the community as a former Thatcham Town councillor, former Thatcham mayor and chairwoman of the NAG.

One of the projects Ms Steevenson is currently involved with is the Thatcham Vision refresh.

She, with her team, have been handing out questionnaires as consultation for people asking for two things they liked about Thatcham, two that were bad about the town and two things the town is missing.

She said: "I particularly want them to tell me what they like, it's far too easy for us to focus on what's wrong.

"I would also like to hear what's missing and, as a vision, that's always something we have looked into.

"We are already getting people saying there's not a lot for young people to do.

"The response to the questionnaire shows that we are supported in what we do.

"I'm going to offer my enthusiasm and commitment to continue what we have always been doing."

At the vision's recent annual general meeting, Mr Smith said: "After 36 years in Thatcham, I am now moving on to France, which will become my country of principle residence.

“However, it is my great hope that I will retain a home here in Thatcham as well, and that some of the work in the community with which I have long associations will be able to continue.

"I would like to thank all those committee members, and of course my project managers for their support, hard work, enthusiasm and determination to succeed with so many of our schemes.

"I very much appreciate the time they have given and what they have done. My hope is that the people of Thatcham will continue to benefit from our work and might just appreciate too, what is being done on their behalf."

Ms Steevenson added: "Clifford Smith has been chairman for a while; he was a people person, he made sure we all attended and kept up the work."