Local democracy

Agenda item

WRITTEN ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LORD MAYOR (Standing Order 4)

(To be circulated before the meeting).

Minutes:

DEATH OF COUNCILLOR IAN GREENWOOD, OBE

It was with sadness the Lord Mayor reported to Council the death of Councillor Ian Greenwood, OBE, who had died on 12 November 2018. Twice Leader of the Council, Councillor Greenwood’s political career spanned over four decades.  From 1995 until 2012 he represented the people of the Little Horton Ward, and he returned to the Council this year to represent Bolton and Undercliffe Ward.  Councillor Greenwood previously served as a County Councillor on West Yorkshire County Council and as Chair, and latterly the Vice Chair, of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, assuming a national profile as Chair of the Local Authorities Pensions Fund Forum.  His distinguished service to local government was recognised in 2013, when he was awarded an OBE.

 

The Lord Mayor  had written to the late Councillor Greenwood’s family to extend condolences and placed on record gratitude for his contribution. 

 

DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR JOHN DEWHIRST

Former Councillor John Anthony Dewhirst who represented the Eccleshill Ward from 1980 until 1992 had also passed away and will be remembered as a hard working Ward Councillor for his constituents. The Lord Mayor would be writing to former Councillor Dewhirst’s family to acknowledge this Council’s gratitude for his work and to offer sympathy for their loss.

 

Tributes were paid by Members to both former councillors and they stood in silent memory to both men.

 

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Michael Jameson, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, had left his position with this Council. Thanks were placed on record  to Michael for his achievements since joining the Council in 2014 and he was wished well for the future.

 

Welcomed to the Council, was Gladys Rhodes White OBE, who had taken up the role of Interim Strategic Director of Children’s Services.  Gladys’ background in Children’s Services was wide-ranging and she had been a statutory Director of Children’s Services, lately specialising in leading and transforming services. 

 

WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN

As a White Ribbon Accredited Local Authority, and as a White Ribbon Ambassador, the Lord Mayor had raised the White Ribbon flag outside City Hall to mark “White Ribbon Day” which the UN General Assembly had designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The flag-raising marked the beginning of 16 days of awareness-raising events of violence against women and girls.

 

ILLUMINATE BRADFORD 2018

Bradford’s nocturnal mini-festival took place from 30 November until 2 December 2018 with the façade of City Hall acting as a projection screen for 3D projection specialists, The Colour Project, as they took the audience on a journey to many locations through their ‘imaginarium’. Congratulations were given to all who worked so hard to make this mini-festival such a success. 

 

ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE FOR THE CITY

The annual Carol Service for the City would be held on 17 December 2018 at Bradford Cathedral featuring the City of Bradford Brass Band and the Cathedral Choir and everyone was welcome to attend.

 

SEASON’S GREETINGS

The Lord Mayor extended warm greetings of the season to all Members and Officers of the Council wishing everyone a peaceful and relaxing Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Gratitude was shown for the support given to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal supporting the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Bradford Nightstop, working hard to prevent youth homelessness.