THIS week the Inverclyde Music Festival started and once again it is a magical celebration of the fantastic talent we are blessed with.

The organisation of this event itself is a fantastic feat and I would like to thank the many organisers for their hard work – all done for the love of the festival.

But it’s the young people taking part that really do, time and again, show Inverclyde at its very best.

Speaking of showing off Inverclyde at its best, nominations are open for this year’s Pride of Inverclyde awards.

They recognise the achievements of public service workers in the council and social care services who have delivered over and above the call of duty.

As Provost I am fortunate that I get the chance to see so much of the good work going on across Inverclyde first hand.

Some of it is high profile and visible to everyone while some of it is behind the scenes and known to only those people who directly deal with, or benefit from, the service.

Good service is just that, no matter what scale it is on – and it is that good service which the Pride of Inverclyde awards aim to recognise.
The categories are team of the year; employee of the year; outstanding achievement and excellence in service delivery.

As well as these, there are also special awards, including one handed over by myself.

I hope you will join me in putting forward nominations for this year’s event and take the time to recognise the good service going on all around us across Inverclyde.

Nominations for the pride of Inverclyde Awards can be made online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PrideOfInverclyde2017

I know it’s still only January, and I don’t mean to wish the year away, especially when the winter has been quite mild, but spring is nearly here and it’s time to look forward to the Port Glasgow Bulb Show.

The show takes place on Saturday March 11, from noon to 4.30pm, at Port Glasgow Town Hall and is a great chance to show off your green fingers or baking skills.

It is open to all and there are a great number of categories for people to enter. There are sections for youth groups such as Brownies, Guides and Scouts, as well as adults, children and school sections.

Everyone at any level is welcome to take part. There will be floral displays from Parklea and Branching Out, as well as paintings and handicrafts from local children and the May Hughes’ dancers will be performing a routine.

If you don’t enter, put the date in your diary and join us on the day.