Minutes:
The Mayor made the following
speech.
“During my year in office, I have been honoured to
represent the people of the Borough at so many events and activities both in
Melton and beyond. I have seen at first hand all the good work that goes on
behind the scenes to make our community come together for the good of us all.
The fund-raising, ceremonies, businesses
and community gatherings have shown me how important it is for people to work
together to improve and shape the lives of those who live, work and visit the
Borough and at all times, I have seen such huge community spirit across the
Borough.
£6,200 has been raised for my nominated charities of
Loros and Dove Cottage and I am grateful to all those who have contributed and
supported me to reach this amazing sum which will positively impact on the
lives of all those using these facilities.
During the year, I have attended over 120 engagements
and have felt welcomed and privileged to be invited to so many events.
It has been difficult for me to select just a few
events that have stood out but three of them have been momentous occasions for
all of us:
Platinum Jubilee – June 2022
The concert in the park was a wonderful day with a
great turnout and the sun shone for us too! A beautiful piece of music called
Happy and Glorious was especially written for the event by Leigh Baker and
there was a competition for the lyrics to the piece run through the Borough’s
schools. The event involved local school pupils, the Melton Town Band, the
Melton Church Choir and the Global Harmony Choir.
The Proclamation – September 2022
There was a time of enormous sadness and mourning last
September with the passing of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Following this most devastating event, the Council was required to swear its
allegiance and make a proclamation to the new King, King Charles III.
The Proclamation was held at the Council Offices and
although we were still mourning our Queen, it was a ceremonial event full of
hope for the future. It was a highlight of my year in office and an experience
I will never forget.
Coronation of King Charles III
I also had the privilege of being the Mayor of the
Borough for the coronation events of King Charles III just a few weeks ago. I
represented the Borough at a service in St Mary’s Church alongside the Lord
Lieutenant which included the unveiling of the Coronation Oak at Egerton Park
and a tour of the Market Place.
Outgoing Members
I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing and
recently retired members, some of whom are with us this evening.
Each and every one
championed the people and needs of their ward as well as enthusiastically
taking up their Council appointments.
They were all trusted and well-respected Councillors
by colleagues and officers alike and their services to the Borough have been
much valued and appreciated. I formally thank those previous Members for your
service to Melton Borough Council – and for some that service reached over 20
years.
I am delighted to present a certificate of recognition
to each of the following outgoing Councillors:
·
Rob Bindloss
·
Pru Chandler
·
Ronnie de Burle
·
Jeanne Douglas
·
Peter Faulkner
·
Chris Fisher
·
Elaine Holmes
·
John Illingworth
·
Pam Posnett MBE
·
Rebecca Smith
·
Jacob Wilkinson
·
Philip Wood
The Mayor then presented a
certificate of recognition to those past Councillors present at the meeting
before finishing his speech.
Arrangements for this evening
Finally, should this meeting still be ongoing, a
motion will be proposed as we approach 9 pm.
The purpose of this is so that the Mayoress and I can
host our guests for refreshments before reconvening the meeting at 9:30
pm.
Thank you.”