Minutes:
The Chairman, Councillor Roy While advised Council that he would not be seeking re-election. As outgoing Chairman, he took the opportunity to thank the staff who had supported him during his chairmanship, in particular Jean Potter. He also made the following announcements:
A. ‘fly a flag for the commonwealth’ ceremony
On Monday, 9 march, Commonwealth Day, the Chairman was joined by Mr. Robert Floyd, Deputy Lieutenant, who represented the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, for a short ceremony to ‘fly a flag for the Commonwealth’. After a short ceremony, the commonwealth flag was raised up the flagpole to mark this special day.
The Council was pleased to participate in this national initiative, which enabled people in their local communities to become involved and join with others nationwide in associating themselves with a widespread public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.
Similar ceremonies were held in other Wiltshire towns, including Trowbridge and Swindon.
B. Wiltshire and Swindon youth orchestra
The Chairman had attended the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra’s Easter concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, which once again, gave a stunning performance.
The Chairman encouraged councillors to attend these concerts to support these talented young people and enjoy an evening of true professionalism and musical accomplishment.
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C. Business and sports gala dinner. |
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Wiltshire council and Wessex chambers of commerce co-hosted the second business and sports gala dinner, in the atrium at county hall, Trowbridge.
The dinner was held as part of delivering
a legacy for Wiltshire, a council-led partnership which aims to
encourage people to keep fit and active, boost the local economy
and bring communities together, building on the success of the 2012
Olympic and Paralympic games.
More than £28,000 was raised
by businesses and other organisations to help support the next
generation of Wiltshire sports stars at the second business and
sports gala dinner.
Money raised from the night will boost the foundation fund set up
following last year’s inaugural dinner, which provides
financial help to local, elite athletes. Successful applicants
receive funding to assist with training, attending competitions, as
well as paying for equipment and transport costs to regional,
national and international events.
The County had been fortunate to have had two further royal visits to the County.
In February Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall visited Dents, glove manufacturers in Warminster. Her Royal Highness then went on to Devizes to officially open Community First’s new offices and launch their 50th birthday celebration.
Last week, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new Hayward Care Centre in Devizes run by the charity, The Orders of St John Care Trust, with whom the Council worked in partnership to provide quality care services for older people. The new centre, named in honour of local hero Reginald Hayward, who served through world war I and, in addition to the military cross and bar, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in 1918 when serving in the 1st Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment. To recognise the honour, a special feature of the visit was the participation of members of the rifles regiment, of which his royal highness was Colonel-In-Chief. He toured the centre, met residents and staff, and also trustees, patrons, representatives of companies involved in the construction, councillors and other members of the local community. E. Election Day The Chairman expressed his thanks to the staff who contributed to the smooth running of the elections held on 7 May. The meeting echoed this sentiment. |
On the Council’s behalf, the Leader thanked Councillor Roy While for his hard work, his contribution to the Council and for being such a wonderful ambassador for the County. She referred to the numerous events he had attended on the Council’s behalf, accompanied by his wife at many of them.
The meeting echoed these comments. In particular, Councillor Jon Hubbard added his, and his groups thanks, for the way in which Council meetings had been managed in a fair and even-handed manner by Councillor While. Councillor Hubbard also took the opportunity to add his thanks to the staff for their contributions to making the election run smoothly and very efficiently.
Councillor Ricky Rogers added his and his group’s thanks to Councillor While, for his dedication and service, and for his support for Salisbury FC.
Councillor Clark added his and his group’s thanks to Councillor While, for his fairness and impartiality.