Agenda item

(a)          Royal Wootton Bassett Signs

The Chairman reported that four old road signs welcoming people to Royal Wootton Bassett had raised £3,320 for Help for Heroes on the auction website ebay. The Council sold two original signs reading ‘Welcome to Wootton Bassett’ – which were in place at the Town before it received its Royal patronage – and two created for the Town’s renaming ceremony, which read: ‘welcome to Royal Wootton Bassett’.

The town had become known for the dignified way residents lined the High Street to pay their respects when the bodies of troops killed in Afghanistan were repatriated. In October 2011 Wootton Bassett became the first town in more than 100 years to get the Royal prefix.

(b)       Staff Awards

The Chairman congratulated the winners of this year’s Staff Awards. With more than 300 nominations, many categories had been closely contested. He extended his congratulations not only to the winners but to all those who were nominated and shortlisted.

The awards were an opportunity for the Council to recognise and thank those staff and teams that went the extra mile to improve the quality of life for so many people, be they colleagues or communities. A round of applause was given as a mark of appreciation for the staff.

(c)      New Year  Honours List – Wiltshire Recipients

The Chairman was delighted to announce that a number of Wiltshire residents had received national recognition in the recent New Year Honours List, the names of which he read out at the meeting.

He drew Council’s attention to one recipient in particular, namely, HM  Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire, John Bush, who was made a Commander of the Victorian Order.

Councillors joined him in congratulating them all on receiving national recognition.

(d)      Mr John Bush – Lord Lieutenant

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman paid tribute to Mr John Bush, who retired as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire on 5 February 2012.

Mr Bush had lived most of his life in Wiltshire and had made an enormous contribution to Wiltshire in so many ways over the years which included being Chairman of the Magistrates’ Courts Committee, member of the Police Authority, a former High Sheriff of Wiltshire and the founder and first Chairman of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, which still continued to care for elderly victims of crime.

His knowledge of Wiltshire was outstanding and he had totally devoted himself to his County since his appointment as Lord Lieutenant eight years ago. 

The Chairman thanked Mr Bush for all he had done for Wiltshire and commented that he would be greatly missed in this role across the whole County.  His successor was Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton from Wanborough.  Mrs Troughton had had a close association with the Community Foundation and Community First.  Mrs Troughton would have the Council’s complete support across the County during her time as Lord Lieutenant and on behalf of Council, the Chairman wished her well as she took up her role.

(e)     Salisbury Civic Society New Buildings Awards Scheme 2011

          Park And Ride Building At Petersfinger, Salisbury

The Chairman was pleased to announce that the Petersfinger Park and Ride Building was given a commendation by the Salisbury Civic Society recently.

The Chairman had received the award on behalf of the Council, which took the form of a certificate, at an awards ceremony held at the Guildhall in Salisbury last month.  The overall result of the building was “deemed to be an attractive small building, which created the desired facilities in a way that went beyond the merely utilitarian, and provided the site with a well thought-out focal point”.

(f)       Former County Councillor Mr Alan Joel

With the Chairman’s permission, Cllr Brian Dalton drew the Council’s attention to the sad passing of Mr Alan Joel in November 2011.  Mr Joel had served on the Council from 1993 – 1997 and had been a tireless local campaigner who would be greatly missed.

Council stood in a moment of silence as a mark of respect for Mr Joel.