I’D like to start this column by highlighting Poppies to Paddington, a project by GWR and the Veterans Charity.
This year, working with the RNLI, they organised ceremonies on platforms across our rail network on Armistice Day, laying wreaths which were then taken to the Great Western Railway War Memorial in London.
I joined a poignant ceremony at Bath Spa station, once again remembering and reflecting on the service of our Armed Forces, and spoke to the BBC on the train to Paddington about my great grandfather, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.
The first year of Birthday Buses was an enormous success: 72,000 passengers took an amazing 1.2 million journeys.
On average, people took around 19 free journeys – saving almost £40 in fares.
An independent report found that the scheme was good value for money, providing £2.20 of benefit for every £1 spent.
Birthday Buses have helped people change their travel habits, reduce congestion, and cut carbon emissions by the equivalent of driving five million miles in a petrol car.
So, from December 1, I’m delighted to say that Birthday Buses are back!
This new £4 million investment offers everyone in the wider West of England a whole month of free bus travel for the month of their birthday.
This year, there will also be added retail discounts at shops, restaurants, and attractions across the region for Birthday Bus pass-holders.
If you apply before you turn 21 you will get a second month of free travel. To sign up for your month of free bus travel, visit BirthdayBus.co.uk.
November also saw the launch of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy – a watershed moment.
We were the first place in the whole country to complete this important work, working through the West of England Nature Partnership with organisations like Avon Wildlife Trust and community groups across our region.
That’s to be expected, but also something we should all be proud of.
People from the towns, villages and cities of the West of England love wildlife and nature.
From the majestic kingfishers along the Kennet and Avon canal, to mighty ancient oaks in Pensford and vibrant pollinator patches in Bristol’s parks, our region is home to some wonderful species.
This new joint strategy puts our region on the map, with an ambitious plan to support nature to recover and thrive in every corner of the West of England.
With investment from businesses and landowners across our region, and everyone doing their bit, the future looks bright once again.
And finally, I have started official social media channels as the regional mayor to help people stay up to date between my monthly columns in the Voice.
On Instagram you can follow @WestOfEnglandMayor, on Twitter/X it is @WestOfEngMayor and on Facebook you can find me by searching for ‘Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England’.