Minutes:
The Chairman made the following announcements:
I am very pleased to say that in the 2 months since becoming Chairman I have been able to represent the Council on a number of occasions both in person and in virtual meetings.
In June I attended;
- The SERFCA armed forces briefing. SERFCA represents the reserve and cadet forces in Sussex and the briefing was a real global update on current deployments and Unit strength in the British Military. For someone with a keen interest in the military it really was a fascinating insight into our priorities and military capabilities.
- I was joined, on my wife's Birthday, by my wife and Children on the North Green in Southwick to read the Sussex Charter.
- I was finally invited to Alex Baileys virtual leaving bash. The date was supposed to be the date regulations for Covid ended - sadly we know how that went! What was supposed to have been a formal event at the end of Worthing Pier was sadly changed to my lounge in full Chains, shorts and flip flops - no one could see my shorts and flip flops!
In July;
- I was joined by the indomitable Bob Smytherman who very graciously agreed to head over in his favourite attire as the Worthing Town Cryer and help me open the Shoreham Farmers market. It is very rare that I am the quieter of two people and Bob certainly helped liven up the market. We walked the market and businesses of Shoreham chatting to stall holders and businesses about how they are finding trade in these times. It was quite surprising and heartening to find a number of stall holders who have completely pivoted in their career path leaving jobs that they may not have returned to to set up their own businesses.
It is fair to say that several commented on the challenges they are facing and I will continue to do all I can to highlight and support the businesses or Adur.
- I also met with the team at Esteem - my chosen Charity to see the work they do and how I can help them raise vital funds this coming year. They caught me at a good moment as I have agreed to do a 10km run in September and there is, whisper it, a skydive next year. I will be helping them with some work shops specifically related to local politics. A big thank you to Emma who welcomed me and I will be sharing my JustGiving page and would appreciate members helping me get the message out on Social media. I would also like to thank those members who have already contributed thus far!
- Finally I welcomed the High Sheriff of West Sussex Neil Hart and his wife Ros to Shoreham last week. After a walk through St Mary De Haura Church Grounds and popping inside for a chat we walked across the footbridge and onto Shoreham Beach. We returned and, after a coffee stop, we headed to the airport and had the most amazing tour around Pooley Swords. Pooley Swords make ceremonial swords for the British, amongst other nations, military. Mr Pooley, I was warned, is a character and likes to chat. I could have spent hours listening to him and I can attest he most certainly is a character. I only hope to have as much verve and vigour at his age that he does!
In an age where we seem to make things to be discarded; to stand and watch the craftmanship on display to make ceremonial swords was something to behold. Mr Pooley felt it was only right and proper that I was a Lord Mayor as that would mean I could have one of his beautiful swords! I am thinking of submitting my own motion to the next full council.
The Leader proposed that Councillor Rob Wilkinson be appointed as Vice Chair of the Joint Governance Committee, replacing Councillor Jim Funnell on a vote this was approved.
The Executive Member for the Environment made an announcement concerning the Meads project.