Agenda item

The Mayor will make his announcements.

Following the Mayor’s announcements, the Mayor will lead the recognition of Malise Graham’s 37 year service to Melton Borough Council.

Following the recognition of Malise Graham, the Mayor will invite the Strategic Lead for Healthy and Active Communities to provide a 10 minute presentation on the renovated leisure facilities.

The Mayor provided Members with an update on events he has attended since the last Council meeting. The full list of events are outlined below.

The Deputy Mayor then outlined the events she had attended since the last Council meeting. The full list of events are outlined below.

Recognition of Malise Graham

Malise Graham was a Councillor at Melton Borough Council between 1987 and 2024. The Mayor began the recognition of Malise by providing his own tribute. The Mayor thanked Malise for the help and support he has provided since he has been a Councillor and he was there when he was elected. The Mayor explained that he had know Malise for many years and 20 years ago the Mayor oversaw an auction for one of Malise’s charities. The Mayor thanked Malise for being a mentor.

This was followed by tributes from the Leader, Councillor Allnatt, who explained that they had not known each other very long but the measure of the man was obvious, as Malise is, without any false affection, an individual of deep personal integrity with desire to help people. The Leader also thanked Malise’s wife, Pam, who has provided Malise with support throughout the years.

Councillor Browne who, on behalf of Conservative Group, thanked Malise for his years of service. He recalled that he had originally met Malise in 2002 and remembered that Malise took Council through two best value inspections, one for housing and another for running of the Council. Councillor Browne recognised that Parkside was Malise’s vision which was to bring all public services into one building. He commented that Malise was a rural Councillor and committed to the rural way of life.

In paying tribute, Councillor Gordon stated that she had know Malise for many years and stated that he was always good company.

Councillor Chubb recognised the enthusiasm and dedication of Malise and his wife Pam. He recognised his efforts in raising money for the charity Rainbows. He thanked him for his service to the residents of Wymondham Ward.

Councillor Cumbers stated that she had known Malise since 1997, when she was elected at by-election. Stated that he was interested in helping the vulnerable and recognised that Malise suggested the name Parkside for the building.

Councillor Child recognised that Malise had done a lot for the Council and for the charity Rainbows.

Councillor Glancy stated that she would personally miss Malise and recognised that he had helped her as a Councillor. She thanked him and his wife on behalf of the Independent Group.

At this point, Malise approached the top table and received his gift from the Mayor.

Malise addressed Council and in doing so, he thanked everyone for their kindness, he thanked Officers for all the work they do. He recognised that Officers do the work and Councillors take the credit. He mentioned some memories he had seen during his time at the Council.

He said that the Council are a team and that he has seen many retirements and transfers. He singled out Dawn Garton and Sarah Evans and thanked them for their efforts over the years. In summing up he thanked his wife, children and grandchildren. He stated that Mayor’s Consorts have never been given the credit they deserve.

Leisure Presentation

The Strategic Lead for Healthy and Active Communities, Jake Betts, and Lloyd Barraclough from Everyone Active provided Members with a presentation updating them on the improvements that have been made to the Council’s leisure facilities. A video of the renovated facilities was shown. The Leader provided a few words about the Leisure facilities. He informed Council that there will be a Members’ walk around on 9 August, ahead of the official opening on 17 August.