Agenda item

The Chairman made the following announcements

West Downs Neighbourhood Watch Task Force

In recognition of the sterling voluntary work that West Downs have undertaken on behalf of the people of Adur over the past years in connection with the Remembrance Services, I would like to formally recognise their contribution and I look forward in the new year to meeting the group and presenting them with a certificate of commendation. A special mention should be made of Terry Rickards who was a member of the West Down Task Force and a Worthing lollipop man who died suddenly last month.  Terry was firmly committed to crime prevention, community and public safety and he was an enormous asset to communities in Sussex. He was greatly loved and liked and he will be sadly missed by the West Down team, family and friends.

MJ Awards

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 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 want to thank officers across the Councils for their ongoing hard work in this vital area and invite Paul Brewer, Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources to collect the honour on their behalf.

Civic Events - November/December

12th November I attended the Adur and Worthing business awards.  I presented the Leisure and Tourism award with the New leader of Worthing Borough Council Kevin Jenkins.  The evening was absolutely fantastic with entertainment, lovely food and dancing at the close.  Many congratulations to all Adur and Worthing Businesses that were nominated and won awards.  I actually won the evening’s charity prize draw which was for an exceptionally large bottle of Tattinger Champagne which I graciously (ahem) asked to be re-drawn.

14th November I laid wreaths for remembrance day first at 11am in Southwick with my Daughter aiding me and my Son being chosen from his Beavers troop to lay their wreath and carry the standard – proud Daddy moment.  I then travelled to Lancing to lay the wreath and accept the salute before entering the Church for a lovely service.  With family that have been in the Military this is one event that even prior to becoming a Cllr always means a lot to me.

4th December I attended, with my family, the Shoreham Wordfest Children's Poetry Book launch.  This was at Ropetackle. We listened to several readings of local children who performed their poems which were also published in the book and I was able to personally give each of them a copy of the book.  I have to say that the poems were genuinely excellent and very thought provoking.  The people who organised the WordFest were also incredibly enthusiastic and Jon was absolutely amazing in freestyle rapping for minutes on end about anything that audience members shouted at him – very impressive!  Following him on stage directly after was slightly daunting.

4th December I attended the Southwick Traders Christmas Market in Southwick Square and was delighted to walk around, again with my family, and support the local businesses. I even got to meet Father Christmas and Elvis!  I was treated to some rock and roll whiskey glasses from a stall by my wife as an early Xmas gift and we supported other stalls - well my children helped me too – on our wanderings.  It was great to see such a thriving and busy Square which obviously helps support the permanent businesses.

On Monday 6th December I should have attended the WSCC and Fire and Rescue Service Carol Service. Sadly due to Covid concerns this event was cancelled so I was unable to attend.

Friday 10th December.  Met with Executive Member Emma Evans to view window displays in Shoreham for the Light up Shoreham event.  I was joined by the ever so quiet Bob Smytherman in full town cryer garb, and my family, for a walk around the very bustling event and attempt the trail (not very successfully sadly with my children!).  Bob and I were welcomed to join a sea shanty group which included lots of excellently choreographed moves!

The Leader announced that Cllr Williams would replace Cllr Funnell on the Joint Governance Committee and proposed that Cllr Loader be appointed to a vacancy as the WSCC HASC representative this proposal was seconded and on a vote was approved.