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 might be aware, Canon Christopher Brown, the Rector of St. James’ Church, Trowbridge from 1988-2009 and Keevil from 2007-2009, had died recently after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was also Rural Dean of Bradford on Avon from 1994-2001.
Canon Brown was highly regarded in Trowbridge through his active engagement with the community, schools and associations. He was a compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humour and would be greatly missed by many.
Councillor Graham Payne, who worked closely with Canon Brown as Chairman the White Ensign Association, would be attending his funeral today to represent the Council.
(f) British Construction Industry Awards
County Hall in Trowbridge had been nominated for this year’s Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award, the only building in the South West to reach the shortlist. The British Construction Industry Awards were the industry’s ‘Oscars’ for all round excellence in construction, with the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award the pinnacle of the awards ceremony.
The winner of the award would be announced at a ceremony 29 October in London.