Minutes:
(a) The Next Four Years – A Presentation
The Chairman explained that the meeting would be adjourned following the conclusion of business under Item No.7 of the Summons, to allow the Leader of the Council to give a presentation to Council and allow discussion on the challenges the Council would be facing over the next four years. Please see the end of minute no. 68 below.
(b) Chairman’s Reception 2011
The Chairman confirmed that he would not be holding a Chairman’s Reception during his year of office and that such a decision had been taken with the agreement of the Leader of the Council.
(c) Wiltshire Council Civic Carol Service
The Chairman reminded Councillors of their invitation to attend the Council’s Civic Carol Service which would be held at St. John’s Parish Church, Devizes on Wednesday, 15 December at 7.00 p.m, conducted by the Archdeacon of Wiltshire, the Venerable John Wraw.
Alternatively Councillors were welcome to join the annual Staff Carol Service to be held in the Council Chamber at 1.00 p.m. on the same day. Musicians from the Wiltshire Rural Music School would be providing the musical accompaniment for that celebration and the Reverend Rob Thomas from St. James’ Parish Church in Trowbridge had kindly agreed to lead the service.
(d) Remembrance Day Services & Parades
The 2010 Royal British Legion Poppy Launch in Wiltshire was held at County Hall on the 28 October with the Leader and Vice-Chairman of the Council purchasing the first poppies. The Chairman stressed how it was good to be involved with this important and vital fund raising work undertaken by the Royal British Legion, given the strong and valued armed services link to Wiltshire.
The Chairman thanked those Councillors who would be attending Annual Remembrance Day Services and Parades to lay wreaths at war memorials across the County on behalf of Wiltshire Council.
(e) ‘Shaping the Future – Being the Best’ – Corporate staff awards 2010
The Chairman referred to the first corporate awards held on Monday 27 September at the City Hall in Salisbury to celebrate and recognise the excellent work being done by Wiltshire Council employees. 200 nominations had been received shortlisted to 68 before the judges agreed on the winners which were read out by the Chairman.
On behalf of Council, the Chairman congratulated the winners and those who were highly commended in a variety of categories.
(f) Keith Gale – Lifetime Achievement Award
The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Keith Gale who had been awarded a lifetime achievement award as part of the ‘Your Local Hero Awards’ run by the Salisbury Journal. Mr Gale had been an active and inspirational youth worker for the Council for over 40 years, and served local government with distinction. The Chairman congratulated him on his award and wished him all the best in his future and ongoing youth work; sentiments which were echoed by other Councillors.
(g) Seminar on the Voluntary and Community Sector
The Chairman reminded Councillors that a seminar on the voluntary and community sector had been arranged to take place in the council chamber following this Council meeting. The Seminar would be focussing on the Council’s relationship with the voluntary and community sector and the wide range of work undertaken with them.