A NEW chairman of Uttlesford District Council was officially unveiled at the council’s annual meeting.

A NEW chairman of Uttlesford District Council was officially unveiled at the council’s annual meeting.

Cllr Sue Schneider was handed the chairman’s chain by outgoing chairman Cllr Alastair Walters during a ceremony at the meeting held in the council’s chambers last Tuesday.

The handover represented the end of a successful year for Cllr Walters, which saw him raise �6100 for his chosen charity, Accuro. The charity provides support to young people under 19 with learning disabilities.

Other highlights included the hugely successful march past of the 33 Engineers Regt EOD, who were presented with the first ever Freedom of Uttlesford by Cllr Walters at a ceremony in Saffron Walden Market Square.

Standing down as chairman, he said: “The last 12 months have been very busy, but also very enjoyable. I have learnt a lot more about what is going on in Uttlesford and other parts of Essex, and have been extremely impressed with the dedication, flair and enthusiasm of those who are involved in organising the many very interesting and exciting activities for young people. They deserve a great vote of thanks.

“It has been a great honour representing this wonderful council of ours and I know that Sue will do a wonderful job.”

Having been on the council since 1999, Cllr Schneider is looking forward to the next 12 months. She has chosen to raise money for Uttlesford’s Girl Guides, an organisation she has been involved with for many years.

Cllr Schneider said: “I’ve been involved with the Guides since I was just seven years old, beginning as a Brownie, later becoming a Guide and then eventually onto being a leader.

“I’m still very involved now, being part of the Trefoil Guild that is involved with Guiding in Uttlesford. And this year is the Guides’ centenary, which makes it all the more apt that I concentrate my fundraising efforts on the organisation.

“I’m very much looking forward to the coming year as chairman, and feel both proud and privileged to be representing the council and the residents of the district.”