To receive a report from the Mayor on civic matters which have arisen since the last meeting or events which may be occurring in the near future.
To give notice of any variation to the items listed in the Forward Plan and/or items accepted as “Urgent Business”.
(No separate report / oral update)
Minutes:
The Mayor’s communications and announcements were considered under the following headings:
a) Mercian Regiment
It was with regret that the Mayor announced the death of another member of the, Mercian Regiment, Private Robert Laws of the local 2nd Battalion, who had been killed in action in Afghanistan. The Mayor was proposing to send the Council’s condolences to the Regiment and Private Law’s family.
b) Mayor’s announcements
The Mayor advised that since the previous meeting of the Council he had attended various functions, including: the Redditch Railway Exhibition – display in the Kingfisher Centre; the North Worcestershire Partnership Games presentation at the Abbey Stadium; the opening of Tenacres First School summer fete; the opening of a new Council Park at Overdale Close, Astwood Bank; the formal lowering of the Armed Forces Day flag and its presentation to a local veteran; an Arts & Craft Fair for the Salvation Army at St Stephens; the Alexandra Hospital League of Friends Annual Summer Fete; a celebration of young people’s achievements at the Palace Theatre; inspected the Schools Gardens competition entries; attended Lifeline’s 25th birthday celebration; attended the official homecoming in Worcester of the Queen’s Royal Hussars; attended the Voices & Visions concert at Kingsley Theatre with Lilian Boutte; and opened a further bus shelter which had been decorated by local youngsters in Winyates.
The Mayor thanked Councillor Banks for stepping in and taking on engagements he had been unable to attend and for serving as his Consort at a number of events.
c) Forthcoming events
The Mayor advised that, forthcoming events included, a Monks’ supper at Evesham; a charity coffee morning at Droitwich and judging Scarecrows at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre.
The Mayor also advised that, he was hoping to invite to a future suitable occasion, a former serving Officer from HMS Kingfisher whom he had met at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
d) Urgent Business
The Mayor advised that he had accepted late papers for consideration in respect of:
Item 6 – Executive Committee Decision Notice for the 22 July 2009; and
Item 9 – Shared Services Board – Business Case.
e) Additional Matters
During consideration of the Mayor’s announcements, he gave permission to a number of Members to make further announcements in relation to matters not listed on the agenda, namely:
i) Standard Newspaper Headlines
The Council Leader raised the matter of the recent front page article in the Redditch Standard Newspaper in relation to results of a national survey which had designated Redditch as one of the worst towns in England. The Leader advised that the negative results of the survey did not, she was sure, reflect the views of the people of Redditch themselves and thanked everyone for their support and positive responses in the Standard’s Letter Section and at a recent community roadshow. She also welcomed the Standard’s decision to promote the very many positive aspects of Redditch and confirmed that the Council and its partners would be working together to address and respond to the survey.
ii) Retirement of Head Teacher – Oakhill First School
The Council was advised of the recent retirement of Mrs Cherrill Illingworth, Head Teacher at Oakhill First School, following twenty-seven years teaching in Redditch. Members agreed that a letter be sent to Mrs Illingworth in recognition of her services to the education of the children of Redditch.