Issue - meetings

Chairman's Announcements

Meeting: 09/11/2023 - County Council (Item 187)

Chairman's Announcements

To receive such announcements as the Chairman may wish to make to the Council.

Minutes:

The Chairman had pleasure in announcing a number of awards the County Council had received together with Council and community events attended since the last Council meeting:

·         Grace Osborne in Property Services who recently passed her Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and is now a Chartered Surveyor within the Estates Management team.

·         For the tenth successive year the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens were awarded a Gold Award for Britain in Bloom, South & South East, Heritage and Parks 2023 at the end of September.

·         Presenting the staff 40 year Long Service Awards at Serles House on 5 October, followed by attendance at the 25 year Long Service Awards in the Great Hall, meeting many members of staff who all talked very positively about their time with the Council.

·         Attendance at Winchester Cathedral for the Law Sunday Service on 8 October.

·         Attendance at the 30th Anniversary of the Farnbrough Air Sciences Trust on 23 October, recognising the contribution made to aeronautical science over more than a century.  The Trust seeks to make available to the public the story of Farnborough’s unique aviation history.

·         A very interesting visit to Butser Ancient Farm with His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester on 27 October.

·         Attendance at a Festival of Remembrance on 29 October hosted by the Royal British Legion, at The Point, Eastleigh.  The Chairman found this was a very moving occasion and was especially heartened to see so many young people in attendance, and acting as Standard Bearers.

In regard to services of remembrance, the Chairman hoped Members would be able to join her for the County Council’s Staff Remembrance Service on Friday 10 November at 10.55 am outside the Great Hall.

It was with much sadness the Chairman recorded that former Honorary Alderman Alex Varden had passed away. 
Alex represented the Odiham Division from 1985 until his retirement in 2001.  Councillors Glen, Collett and Withers paid tribute to Alex and the Council observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.