Agenda item

Announcements by the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Executive Members or the Head of Paid Service

Minutes:

The Mayor made the following announcements

 

The Councils have received yet further national recognition after being Commended in the "Leadership in responding to the climate emergency" category at The MJ Awards 2021.

 

Last year Adur and Worthing were the only District / Borough Councils in the country to be shortlisted for the local authority of the year award at what is the Oscars of local government awards. That was followed by a similar shortlisting in the LGC Awards.

 

This year's award recognises the work being done across the Councils to meet the global crisis, ensuring we become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and live in net zero communities by 2045.

 

Much of this was reflected in the recent ClimateActionAW campaign, which was featured across our social media channels to coincide with COP26.

 

I would like to thank officers across the Councils for their ongoing hard work in this vital area and receive the award on their behalf.

 

Civic Events

 

Thank you to everyone who supported the November Remembrance events and the Sunday Parade. It was great to be back to full strength and have the Veterans, Youth groups and public come out to show their gratitude and respect for all that gave so much.Sadly, it appears that the only time that us human beings can come together as one, regardless of race, religion or other characteristics that set us apart from others, is during times of conflict or disasters. That is why, in my opinion, it is important that we continue to recognise and support all those that put others before themselves, whether as members of the emergency services or members of our Armed Forces who do a great job in keeping the peace both at home and around the world.

 

I am pleased that a vital piece of work to strengthen the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, as we will hear later in this agenda, has now gone before the Joint Strategic committee for approval and noting. We must ensure that the good words are turned into meaningful actions.

 

The week after Remembrance Sunday, and something unique to Worthing, is the small important event held at the Pigeon Memorial in Beach House Gardens, dedicated to remember the service given by Animals during times of Conflict. I would ask members to support this short ceremony if they can. It was sad however, to see the Memorial looking tired, maybe the parks team could give it some love?

 

A few other highlights from the last couple of months; I was Invited to the Investiture ceremony By Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Susan Piper, to award the BME to Mr Peter Kennard and Mr Derek Steel in recognition of their years of fundraising and promoting Guildcare.

 

I had the opportunity to revisit one of my old shops with Cllr Smytherman (in one of his many other roles) and present cheques to three great local charities from the Coop’s Local Community Fund. In total the customers of the Co-op raised £18,742 split between Care for Veterans, Transition Worthing and Worthing Thunder.

 

I’ve been to 2 Pantomimes,OH NO YOU HAVEN’T you may say, but, OH YES I HAVE, and I’m pleased to report that the child in me is still there.

 

Storm Ministries

 

The Mayoress and I had the pleasure of entertaining the ladies from Storm Ministries at the Town Hall recently, to officially thank them for the wonderful poppy displays they have provided over the last few years as part of our remembrance commemorations. The poppy waterfall and displays inside and outside the Town Hall this year were once again spectacular.

 

Worthing Tabernacle

 

The Mayoress and I were due to thank the lovely people from Worthing Tabernacle who, every year, provide refreshments to the public on Remembrance Sunday. Quite often it is the people in the background that get overlooked but without them these events could not take place. However for safety reasons due to the Omicron spread, this visit was cancelled and will be rescheduled in the New Year.

 

Past Mayor and Past Consort

 

Finally, the Mayoress and I have had the pleasure of awarding Cllr Hazel Thorpe and her Consort Robin with their Past Mayor and Past Consort badges and to thank them personally for their great service to the Borough. Please join me in giving them the appropriate applause they deserve.

 

Charity Event

 

Regrettably my Charity Event on New Year’s Eve has been postponed to February 2022.  Details to follow nearer the time.

 

Christmas Cheer

 

Due to the current situation I am not able to invite members back to the chamber after the meeting for the traditional Christmas Drinks, so I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

 

And Lastly - Christmas Cards

 

You have all received a special Christmas Card from me.

 

In the summer the Mayoress and I met Sophie Bresnahan, who is the designer and maker of these plantable wildflower cards and the Hove based company Loop Loop.

 

The ethos behind the brand is to loop old materials back into new things which can have a positive impact on the planet. We throw billions of cards in the bin each year, and they most likely come wrapped in single use plastic. Sophie wanted to create something free from plastic, made from recycled materials which then lives on long after the occasion has passed. The cards are 100% zero waste, and the flowers are pollinating wildflowers, so they are all good for the bee population, which is in huge decline. By receiving this Loop Loop card, you are contributing a small piece of hope for a brighter future.

 

The Leader announced that Cllr Nicky Waight was taking over the role of the Executive Member for Regeneration.