Announcements by the Chairman
Minutes:
(a) Wiltshire Council Older Peoples’ Day
The Chairman announced that the Council hosted an Older People’s Day at County Hall earlier this month. Senior citizens from across the County were provided with the opportunity to speak with representatives from a number of charities and organisations hosting exhibitions. There was also the opportunity to participate in various activities such as singing, Tai-Chi, quizzes and a tea dance.
The event was well attended throughout the day, providing a real opportunity to bring together senior citizens from different communities to meet new people, try different activities and to celebrate their contribution to society.
(b) Friend’s Life Tour of Britain
The Council was delighted that the County of Wiltshire was part of the recent Friends Life Tour of Britain. Like the Olympic and Jubilee events, it showcased and promoted the County, giving tourism and local businesses a boost as well as bringing communities together.
It was inspiring to see professional riders like Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, whose speed and skill was breathtaking as they raced passed County Hall. The FanZone outside County Hall added significantly to the enjoyment of the occasion for all those who turned up to support the event. A big thank you went out to all those staff who were involved in supporting and running the event to ensure it ran safely, providing a memorable occasion for everyone and inspiring others to take up cycling.
(c) Ushakov Medal Presentations
The Chairman reminded Members that last September the Council hosted a ceremony to honour Wiltshire residents who received the Arctic Convoy Star Medal. At that time, veterans were waiting to hear if they would also receive the Ushakov Medal, the equivalent Russian military honour.
The Chairman was delighted to announce that 77 veterans from across the south-west were formally presented with their medals at County Hall in August. The Council was pleased to support the Russian Embassy by offering to provide the Ceremony Room as the venue for two special presentation ceremonies – the first to be held outside London. By doing so, it alleviated the need for veterans, all in their late 80s/early 90s, travelling to London or just receiving their medal through the post. The Chairman was proud and honoured to host these ceremonies. It was a huge privilege to welcome the veterans, 33 of which were Wiltshire residents, who greatly appreciated the Council’s support to them. It was a very humbling and rewarding day.
(d) Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra Concerts
The Chairman announced that both he and his Vice-Chairman, had been privileged to attended Summer concerts by the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra in Bradford-on-Avon and Salisbury in August.
The performances were outstanding with over 80 children and young people taking part. The Chairman congratulated Nick Howdle, Head of the Wiltshire Music Service, for encouraging and nurturing these talented young people and for giving all of us who attended these Concerts such a memorable evening.
(e) Canon Christopher Brown
The Chairman reported that as Councillors ... view the full minutes text for item 66
Announcements by the Chairman
Minutes:
a) Armed Forces Day Celebrations
The Chairman explained that the Council was pleased to support the flying of the Armed Forces Day flag from our main Council office buildings last month for Armed Forces Week. Celebrations were held around the County over the weekend of 28 and 29 June.
The Chairman attended along with the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Major General Abraham representing the Master Gunner St James Park, and other dignitaries, to witness the Mayor of Trowbridge grant the Freedom of the Town to the Royal Regiment of Artillery, which had historic links with the Town going back to the First World War. The Freedom Parade was led by the Band of the Royal Artillery, followed by a Section of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery pulling a gun carriage, and a marching Contingent. He commented that all were immaculately turned out.
Armed Forces weekend provides us all with the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of the Armed Services and to show our support for them, whether serving members, veterans or Cadets. The Chairman acknowledged that these events take many months of planning and thanked and congratulated all those who worked so hard to ensure their success.
b) Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours
The Chairman was delighted to announce that a number of Wiltshire residents had received national recognition in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours’ list.
An OBE had been awarded to:
Mr. Martin Colclough from Amesbury for services to Disability Sport in the Armed Forces.
MBEs had been awarded to:
Mrs. Vivian Clarke from Pewsey, who is Chair of the Military Wives Choirs Foundation, for services to military families
Mr. Colin Coward from Devizes for services to Equality
Mr. Ralph Flower from Devizes for services to the British Engineering Industry and to the community in Devizes
Mr. Alan Nix from Swindon for services to the community in Swindon
Mr. Mark Romain from Salisbury for services to the Saddlery Industry and Saddlery Training in the United Kingdom and Overseas
Mr. Roger Upton for services to the Cultural Heritage of Falconry in the United Kingdom and Overseas
BEMs had been awarded to:
Mr. Peter Lemon for services to the communities in Grafton and Wilton
Mrs. Janet Marshall for voluntary service to the Warminster & Westbury Visually Handicapped Club
Mr. Edward Pomeroy for services to Young People through the Scouts and to the community in Southwick
The Council joined the Chairman in congratulating them all on receiving national recognition.
c) Town Criers’ Competition
The Chairman announced that he had attended a Town Criers’ Competition in Calne last month organised by the Town Council. Criers attended from across the country and the standard was very high. The winner came from Bromyard, Herefordshire. He was pleased to say that the Trowbridge Town Crier, Trevor Heeks and his wife had won the ‘Best Dressed Couple’ competition.
d) Miss Jean Horsfall
The Chairman wished to formally record the Council’s debt of gratitude to Miss Jean Horsfall, who died recently at the age of ... view the full minutes text for item 49