Minutes Mayor Introduction Ceremony 5 June 2014
PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor A Brenton
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford
Councillor T J Johns
South Ward:
Councillor D Brenton
Councillor A T Inch
Councillor S G Inch
Councillor P J Pester
Councillor R I Wootton
South (Outer) Ward:
Councillor A Powell
East Ward:
Councillor M C Langmead (Town Mayor)
Councillor D Ratcliff
IN ATTENDANCE
Councillor P S Christie (Chairman, TDC)
Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr R D G Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Mrs C Scott (Town Clerk’s Assistant)
There were also present some 131 guests including Civic representatives, representatives from Local Bodies and the Town Band.
032 PRESENTATION OF THE SYMBOLS OF OFFICE & AWARDS
a. Councillor S G Inch gave an appraisal of his Year in Office speaking on the successes of the Council, functions he had attended and the positive contributions made by the Community organisations. He thanked those who had supported him including the Mayoress, the staff, town officers, councillors and the people of Bideford.
b. Councillor S G Inch then made the following Cup presentations:
• Floral – for the most outstanding display by a:
Retailer – Mr Chips (apologies given unable to attend and receive trophy).
Public House – Crabby Dicks.
• Christmas Lights – for the most outstanding display by a:
Retailer – Blackwells.
Public House – Crabby Dicks.
• Citizens Award – Mr Jeff Facey.
• Young Citizens Award – Mr Ricky Dymond.
• Special Award: Recognition of thirty years’ service – Mr Jim Weeks, Town Crier.
c. Councillor S G Inch then presented cheques to the value of £1,600.00 to his nominated charity representative: Mr Strawson, Macular Disease Society (Bideford and Torridge).
033 FORMAL THANKS TO THE MAYOR OF BIDEFORD
Councillor Pester proposed the motion that the best thanks of the Town Council be accorded to Councillor S G Inch, for his service to the town during his last term of office and that appreciation be expressed for the support of the Mayoress, Mrs Lorraine Inch, during the same period. The motion being seconded by Councillor Johns was unanimously adopted.
034 PRESENTATION TO THE DEPUTY MAYOR
The Town Mayor presented Councillor Pester with the Deputy Mayor’s Badge of Office.
035 APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR’S CHAPLAIN
The Town Mayor declared the appointment of Reverend Alan Glover as his Chaplain and signed the appropriate certificate.
036 APPOINTMENT OF CADET
The Town Mayor declared the appointment of Cadet Staff Sergeant Kristi Tucker as his Cadet and signed the appropriate certificate. He then placed the Mayor’s Cadet Armband on his Cadet’s arm.
037 ADDRESS BY TOWN MAYOR
The Town Mayor declared himself Bideford born and bred, his commitment to youthful sporting endeavour and drive to give of his best. He spoke of the unswerving support that he had received from his Consort, throughout their marriage, and made reference to his immediate and extended family. He also gave details of the two charities that he will support during his tenure: the South West branch of the Dementia Society and The Children’s Holiday Foundation. In looking forward he spoke on the commencement of the Brunswick Wharf development, the redevelopment of the Port Memorial and the second stage of the Sea Cadets building (a boat store and workshop). Other Town Council backed projects should see the enhancement of the Town with the renovation of bollards on the Quay, restoration of benches throughout and the installation of new gym equipment in Victoria Park.
In dedicating himself to the role of Town Mayor he implored the attendees to support the Royal British Legion led World War I commemoration parade / service on Sunday, 3 August 2014.
038 NATIONAL ANTHEM
The Town Clerk thanked the members of Bideford Town Band, Moreton Nurseries, Bideford Town Council officers / staff and Torridge District Council caretakers for their contributions to the Ceremony. The Councillors, officers and guests sang the National Anthem with accompaniment from the Town Band.
039 RETIRAL
The National Anthem having been sung, the Civic Party escorted by the Officers retired from the Town Hall. At the Royal Hotel the Mayor and Mayoress received their guests to whom hospitality was extended for the remainder of the evening.