ONE OF Bromsgrove’s most popular district councillors, who will not be standing this time around, has spoken about her 15 years in the role.
Janice Boswell has represented the Furlongs ward since 2000, being vice chairman, chairman, vice civic head and civic head in that time.
In her years as civic head, she was famous for her ‘three cheers’ when attending official openings, launches or celebrations.
Speaking to The Standard this week, Janice said her most memorable times had been meeting HM The Queen and having lunch with her, going to Buckingham Palace and the difference she had made in the role – both through getting things changed for the better and raising funds for charity.
During her time, she helped launch the choir at Bromsgrove’s Life After Stroke Centre and started the civic head’s tea dance which still takes place on the last Wednesday of each month at the Spadesbourne Suite.
Janice added: “I have absolutely enjoyed it because I just love people.
“The more people I met, the more I enjoyed it – they were so appreciative.
“I think when you go into it, you are there as a politician to represent those living in your ward, but when you are civic head, you are there for everybody.”
Janice said ever since she was a little girl, she had always helped people – her grandmother had a stroke when she was very young and she always visited her and helped her mum look after her.
And, she added, when her cousin suffered with Hodgkins disease, she wrote to her everyday while she was in hospital.
During her time in the role, Janice said she also enjoyed doing a lot of charity work – when she was civic head, her chosen charities were The Edward’s Trust. the Primrose Hospice and the Stroke Association.
And now she has stood down, she has vowed to continue helping people and her charity work.
We asked her what advice she would give to those elected onto the district council on May 7.
She said: “You have been chosen by your public to serve them, so you must always put them first – they are the ones who have put you where you are.
“You must also realise that you won’t always be able to change things and residents realise that.
“They just want to know that you have tried your best.”
