“As you are all aware I keep you all regularly updated with project news and announcements and today I have a new announcement for you all.

I have a new job with Sandwell Council and will be changing job role from April 2015 meaning that as of April 2015 I will no longer be the project officer for Lightwoods Park and House. The post I will be starting in April is Parks and Green Spaces Commercial Manager based at Sandwell Valley.

I have really enjoyed working on the Lightwoods Park and House restoration project and forming good working relationships with the Friends Group, the ward councillors and local partners. I am delighted that work has started on site and that it is currently progressing well – there is a lot going on including tree felling, demolition of the playground and house courtyard boundary wall, drainage works in the Shakespeare garden, the re-landscaping of the former bowling green (soon to be events lawn) and the internal works in the house have started. I will give the project my all until the transfer of the project to another project officer who will need to be recruited to take up my role within the project (this officer will then be in post until mid-2016 when the project will be completed).

Please note the Community Engagement Officer will be starting on 30th March 2015 to continue with the community engagement at Lightwoods Park – this is a good appointment and the new officer will be of a huge benefit to the project and the local community.

I would like to thank you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the project and for your support over the last 4 years – long may this interest and commitment to your local beautiful park continue! Your input into the whole project has been invaluable (this has been evident in the recent user survey which has been sent round – in 2 weeks we have had a record 312 responses – thank you to you all) and I think we have all worked exceptionally well together – I shall miss you all and the project dearly.

I wish you all the very best for the future and I shall look forward to attending the grand opening in summer 2016 and seeing Lightwoods Park and House restored and open for everyone to access and enjoy.”

Thank you,

Cherie