Judy Brandis is AVDC Chair

At its meeting on Wednesday this week (15th May) Aylesbury Vale District Council announced that its chief executive Andrew Grant is leaving the organisation and that Judy Brandis is becoming the council's final chairman.

Mr Grant's role is being made redundant, ahead of the formation of the new unitary Buckinghamshire Council in April 2020. He is leaving at the end of July after 13 years at the helm of the organisation and said he was 'immensely proud' of everything the council had achieved.

Outgoing chairman Cllr Sue Renshell handed over the reins to Judy Brandis — whose term of office will end with the establishment of the new unitary council.

At the same meeting Cllr Chris Poll was elected vice-chairman.

Cllr Brandis has served as a district councillor, representing Haddenham and Stone, for 20 years and has been chairman of licensing for more than 12 years.

Previously, she ran her own children's nursery near where she lived in Amersham, before moving to Haddenham.
Cllr Brandis said: "It is an honour and privilege to have been elected as the district's last chairman and I am looking forward to working with people, community groups and other organisations from across the Vale.

"In my role as chairman I hope I will be able to help them raise their profile and let others see the magnificent work they all do to contribute to the life and vitality of the area."

Cllr Brandis has nominated Nest Aylesbury Vale as her charity for the year.

Formerly known as Home Start Aylesbury Vale, Nest is a local independent charity that has been supporting families with one child under five, throughout Aylesbury Vale for more than 16 years.

Cllr Brandis said: "Unfortunately even a largely volunteer led organisation needs funds, and Nest is no exception.
"They are a vital resource for ordinary families going though extraordinary times and I am looking forward to working with them and others across the Vale promoting their work and organising and supporting a range of fundraising events."

Photo: Aylesbury Vale District Council's new chair Judy Brandis with new vice-chair Chris Poll

Source: Neil Shefferd, Bucks Herald