To receive any announcements through the Chairman.
Minutes:
Deaths of Serving Members
The Chairman announced that both Cllr Tony Trotman and Bob Jones MBE had sadly passed away since the last meeting of the Council on 30 November 2023 and 4 January 2024 respectively. Members held a minute’s silence in honour of Cllrs Trotman and Jones.
Cllr Trotman was the Member for Calne Chilvester and Abberd since 2009, also serving as the Chairman of the Northern Area Planning Committee since that time. He was previously a Member on Wiltshire County Council, North Wiltshire District Council, and Calne Town Council, where he served as Mayor on four occasions.
Cllr Jones was the Member for Cricklade and Latton since 2013. He was also a Member of Cricklade Town Council and Vice-Chairman of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority. Before becoming a councillor, he served in the Royal Air Force and was also a recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
A number of Members paid tribute to Cllrs Trotman and Jones, including Cllrs Richard Clewer, Ian Thorn, Graham Wright, Ricky Rogers, Gavin Grant, Howard Greenman, Ashley O’Neill, Paul Oatway QPM, and Ross Henning.
Members praised both Councillors for their commitment to public service and passion for their local communities. Their knowledge, kind and caring demeanours alongside their impacts upon their respective divisions and the wider County were emphasised, and Members expressed deep loss at their passings and how missed they would be. Condolences were sent to both Cllrs Trotman and Jones’ family and friends and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing them over their lifetimes.
Death of Former Councillors and Others
The Chairman paid tribute to the following former Members of the Council and holders of public office:
Cllr Howard Marshall was the Member for Calne Central from 2009 – 2017 and was also the Mayor of Calne in 2009 and 2015. He sadly passed away on 5 September 2023.
Cllr John Syme was a former County Councillor for Warminster West, and former district and current Town Councillor for Warminster. He sadly passed away on 5 January 2024.
Councillor Chris Cochrane was the Member for Salisbury Fisherton and Bemerton Village from 2009 – 2013. He sadly passed away on 10 January 2024.
Sir Christopher Benson was the former High Sheriff of Wiltshire, and he sadly passed away on 21 January 2024.
Chairman’s Engagements
Since the last meeting of Council, there had been the following engagements attended by the Chairman:
· 11 November 2023 – Imber Service of Remembrance, St Giles’ Church, Imber
· 12 November 2023 – Chippenham Remembrance Day Service, St. Andrew’s Church, and wreath laying at the War Memorial, Market Place.
Since the last meeting of Council, there had been the following engagements attended by the Vice-Chairman:
· 1 November 2023 – RBL Field of Remembrance Opening Service, Lydiard Park, Swindon
· 11 November 2023 – Chippenham Town Council Armistice Day Commemoration, Town Hall
· 12 November 2023 – Trowbridge Remembrance Day Service, St. James’ Church and wreath laying at the War Memorial, Trowbridge Park
· 27 November 2023 – Coronation Tree Planting Ceremony by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire at County Hall
· 15 December 2023 – County of Wiltshire Carol Service, Garrison Church, Larkhill
· 5 February 2024 – Royal Visit by HRH The Princess Royal to St John Ambulance, Beacon Business Centre, Devizes
· 8 February 2024 – Royal Visit by HM Queen Camilla to Salisbury Cathedral for a special concert, supporting several well-known Wiltshire charities.
New Years Honours List
The Chairman announced that a number of Wiltshire residents had received national recognition in the recent New Year’s Honours List and congratulated those who had been honoured.
CBE
· Hettie Barkworth-Nanton – For services to people affected by domestic abuse and homicide.
· Prof. Margaret Rae – For services to Public Health and to Public Health Standards.
OBE
· Lt. Col. (Retd) David Whimpenny – For voluntary service.
MBE
· Joanne Loftus – For services to Defence.
· Alexandra Vincent – For services to Research Funding.
· Belinda Winstone – For services to Military Families.
· Penny Brown – For services to Salisbury Hospital fundraising.
BEM
· John Boyne-Aitken – For services to Heritage Crafts.
· Hilary Jenkins – For services to the community, particularly during Covid-19.
· Dr Christopher Kent – For services to Music and Musicology.