Local democracy

Agenda item

WRITTEN ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LORD MAYOR

(To be circulated before the meeting).

Minutes:

DEATH OF FORMER LORD MAYOR, PAUL HOCKNEY

It was with sadness the Lord Mayor reported to Council the death of former Lord Mayor, Paul Hockney, who passed away on 1 July 2018, aged 87 years. Paul served this Council, and its predecessor, as a Liberal/Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor for the Idle Ward from 1970 until 1984.  He was twice Leader of his Group from 1975/1976 and again from 1982/1984. In the municipal year 1977/78, part of which included the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen, Paul took on the role of Lord Mayor, supported by his wife Jean as Lady Mayoress and became known for his patriotic attire. Paul’s Civic Appeal fund was dedicated to acquiring the land and building the Nell Bank Centre on Denton Road in Ilkley.  Many thousands of local children have had the opportunity to participate in the wide range of outdoor learning programmes provided at the Centre.

 

The Lord Mayor accompanied by the Lady Mayoress were due to attend Paul’s memorial service in Ilkley and had, on behalf of the people of the district, written to Paul’s widow and family to express sadness at his passing and gratitude for his work for this Council.

 

DEATH OF MR PETER GIBBONS, FORMER HEAD OF THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL

On 17 June 2018 Peter Gibbons, the former head of the Virtual School who retired last year, had died following a long illness. His outstanding work in the field of education had been of immense value to many children, young people and families throughout the District.  The Lord Mayor had written to Peter’s widow and family to extend the condolences of the local community.

 

Members were asked to stand and join the Lord Mayor in a minute’s silence in memory of Paul Hockney and Peter Gibbons for their contributions to the life of the District.

 

THE DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL

Gratitude was placed on record to all the Council staff working as volunteers, in collaboration with the public and local businesses, to deliver the Dragonboat Festival, which took place from 22 to 24 June 2018. Over 100 teams took to the River Aire, encouraged by their families, friends and many festival-goers and the event had been formerly recognised as the largest in the UK by the British Dragonboat Association.

 

VETERANS’ WEEK AND THE EMPIRE WINDRUSH 70TH ANNIVERSARY

The Lord Mayor had been very pleased to be involved in recent events to mark the significant occasions of the annual Veterans’ Week and also celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary arrival of the Empire Windrush.

 

An event was held to recognise the sacrifice made by the veterans in the service of their country and the Lord Mayor was pleased to have the opportunity to meet so many ex-service men and women, hear their stories and recognise their contribution to upholding freedom and peace.

 

A huge impact had been made on the life of not just our District, but to that of the whole country, by members of the Windrush generation.  The Lord Mayor had met many people in celebrating their contribution and had heard wonderful stories of the community’s development over the last 70 years.

 

THE FIFTH BRADFORD LITERATURE FESTIVAL

The fifth Bradford Literature Festival took place from 29 June to 8 July 2018 and all those who had worked hard in planning and delivering this year’s event ensured its continued place among the country’s finest festival experiences.

 

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

On Her Majesty’s recent Birthday Honours List, the work and service of several local people has been recognised.  The Lord Mayor had written, on behalf of the people of the District, to congratulate:

Pauline Bradley-Sharp, BEM for services to the community in Hirst Wood, Shipley.

Roger Charnley, BEM for services to the business and community in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

YemiFagborun, MBE, Chief Executive of Peacemakers International, for services to community cohesion and women’s and girls’ rights.

Kathryn Gower, BEM for services to the community in Cross Roads with Lees and Haworth.

John Kirkby, CBE founder of Christians Against Poverty, for services to poverty relief.

 

THE WEDDING OF HRH PRINCE HENRY OF WALES TO MS MEGHAN MARKLE

On behalf of the citizens of the District, the Lord Mayor wrote to HRH Prince Harry to offer congratulations and good wishes on the occasion of his marriage to Ms Meghan Markle and to wish them every happiness in their future life together.