“IT HAS been a real honour and privilege to serve as the advocate and ambassador during my year as chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council.” With those words, Cllr Liz Hardman ended her year as chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Looking back on her year in office, Cllr Hardman said: “Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of attending a remarkable range of events—from celebrating Chinese New Year to judging the best-dressed chalet at the Bath Christmas Market, to the Bath in Bloom Awards, and the Armed Forces Flag Raising Event in Parade Gardens

“I have discovered many hidden gems across our area, including Timsbury’s award-winning pharmacy, showcasing impressive state-of-the-art technology right on our doorstep.

“I have had the honour of meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla twice. On the second occasion, at the Holburne Museum, I had the pleasure of welcoming her to Bath. I am delighted to report that she spoke warmly about the city, so it is now official: Queen Camilla loves Bath.

“As the first Chair of B&NES from Paulton, I was particularly pleased that my two final engagements took place in Paulton. The first was the opening of a Community Orchard organised by Paulton’s “Walk on the Wild Side “ group and Grant Johnson from Paulton Parish Council.

“The second was at the match where Paulton Rovers were promoted to the Southern League and I had the honour of presenting “Man of the Match” to Jack Dancey.

“It has truly been one of the most interesting and rewarding years of my life.”

Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall has been elected to succeed Cllr Hardman as the new chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Ward councillor for Timsbury, he was elected to Council Chair for the coming year at the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 14.