The wonders of modern technology!

The wonders of modern technology!!!  I am typing this on a coach bound for Buxton's French twin town of Oignies - and hopefully will later email it back so that it can appear on the council's website.

It really is becoming difficult to remember how we managed without all these gadgets.  It certainly makes it much more difficult to get away from the office. Wherever you are you can always be contacted and can always get in touch with the office.  That of course has its upside and its downside.  Train, coach or bus journeys suddenly become much more productive as you tap away on your notepad or iPad; while driving becomes dead time.

We have a packed few days in northern France, including laying a wreath at the town's war memorial.  Our host family, who stayed with us last year, are firm fans of The Queen, so our bags are stuffed with Diamond Jubilee memorabilia and bunting.

The borough has worked hard with local parish councils and community groups to ensure that residents are able to celebrate the Jubilee in a variety of ways - both in their own neighbourhood and at larger events across the borough. I am particularly pleased that Buxton Traders have come together to organise their own event in Spring Gardens, supported by a grant from the borough - and some free bunting.

It would be good to see traders in other towns getting involved in the same way. 

I raised the importance of Glossop as a gateway to the Peak District with the chief executive of Visit Peak District when I met him recently. I am hopeful that he will now take this into consideration when planning future market campaigns, including one focused on food and drink.

Whatever you are planning to do over the long Diamond Jubilee weekend, I hope the weather is kind. For a full run down of all the events we know about check out the Diamond Jubilee pages on our website.

Of course this weekend is just the start of a thrilling summer packed with events.  The Olympic Torch has now arrived in Britain and is making headlines wherever it goes - I hope that when it arrives in Buxton on June 29, we too will make it a day to remember for everyone involved - both runners and spectators.

Again we have a lot of events planned throughout the day, ending with a bit of a party on the Market Place. Final details still being agreed, but keep an eye on our Olympic Torch Relay section on the website for full details.

One last plug - this time for our Glossop Open Halls consultation which runs until Friday 13 July. Please take time to come along to the events planned over the next few weeks to have your say on the future of Glossop's Town Hall, Market Arcade, Municipal Buildings and Victoria Hall. 

1 June 2012.