Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

48.1    The Mayor gave the following communications:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem (In the Name of Almighty; the Most Merciful).

Good afternoon councillors, colleagues, and residents.

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all at our final Full Council meeting of 2024.

Before we move to the formal agenda, I would like to take a moment to share some highlights of the events I have attended over the past couple of months. It has been a vibrant and memorable period, filled with occasions that have reinforced my pride in our city and its people.

At the end of October, I had the honour of leading the commemorations at the India Gate in the Royal Pavilion Gardens. This poignant ceremony reflected the deep gratitude our city holds for the soldiers from the Undivided India who served alongside the British Army during the First and Second World wars.

I was deeply honoured to lead the city’s Remembrance commemorations this year. Across Brighton & Hove, we held solemn services to honour those who have served and sacrificed their lives. These included a service in the Garden of Remembrance, parades at the Brighton and Hove War Memorials, and civic ceremonies at All Saints Church in Hove and the Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue.

Brighton & Hove remains unwavering in its commitment to honouring those who have given their lives in service to our nation, as well as those who continue to serve with courage and dedication today.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Remembrance Committee, colleagues, veterans, cadets, members of the armed forces, the emergency services, and the wider community for their dedication and efforts in ensuring that this important occasion was marked with the respect and dignity it so richly deserves.

In October I had the honour of presenting awards at the Hove and Adur Cadet Awards Ceremony. I have been deeply impressed by the dedication and commitment of the city’s Cadet Forces. This year, they have played a vital role in supporting numerous Mayoral and civic events. Their discipline, enthusiasm, and strong sense of duty exemplify the absolute best of our community, and I am profoundly grateful for their contributions.

It was a pleasure to welcome participants as they crossed the finish line of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Madeira Drive. I also met with fundraisers supporting Off the Fence’s Big Sleep Out at St Peter’s Church, and welcomed the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Brighton to help celebrate our city’s vibrant Rwandan community.

As the year draws to a close, I have been fortunate to attend a variety of events marking Christmas and end of the year festivities.  These include the Together Co Winter Warmer Luncheon, the Celebration of Love and Life Service hosted by University Hospitals Sussex, and the Patcham Silver Band Christmas Service. I also joined the opening of the Brighton Winter Fayre Market and attended many carol concerts and nativity plays, including memorable performances at the Rudyard Kipling, and Woodingdean Primary Schools. One standout moment was meeting Santa Claus and turning on the Christmas Tree lights at Palmeira Square!

Stand for Ukraine Brighton & Hove has asked me to send their heartfelt thanks to the city of for its generous donations and unwavering support. This community group, formed in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, has delivered vital aid and evacuated over 2,000 people, with their first ambulance departing in June and the next vehicle set to journey across Europe over Christmas. Thanks to Brighton and Hove's compassion, they have delivered 50 tonnes of aid to the Kharkiv region, including 800 Christmas presents for orphaned children. They would like to thank everyone for their solidarity and help in making a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by this devastating conflict.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly on these events. In the coming weeks, I hope you all find time to relax, spend quality moments with family and friends, and reflect on your accomplishments of the past year.

Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and healthy 2025.

It is now my privilege to welcome our very special guests to the Chamber, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, who will be retiring this month. We are also delighted to welcome Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews, who will assume the role of Chief Fire Officer in January.

Today we recognise Dawn’s remarkable career and her outstanding contributions – which has left an indelible mark far beyond our city and county to the wider fire and rescue community.

As a member of the Fire Authority, I have had the honour of witnessing Dawn’s exceptional dedication, passion, and commitment to East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. Throughout her career, she has led with purpose, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community.

It is timely at this point to take this opportunity to mention that work on Preston Circus Fire Station has been completed after the extensive £5 million refurbishment. It's such an important and iconic building serving the city and I look forward to visiting in the New Year.

Members were invited to say a few words. Councillors Evans, Hill and Theobald extended well wishes and thanks.

Thank you. Dawn - as you step into the next chapter of your life—we wish you happiness, health, and success. On behalf of all of us, please accept this certificate as a token of our immense gratitude.

I also want to take this time to congratulate Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews on his new role as Chief Fire Officer, which he will take up in January.

Mark has had a distinguished career with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service which spans over 25 years.

Mark’s dedication and service have been recognised with several prestigious honours. These include the Queen’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals and the Fire Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. We are fortunate to have someone of his calibre stepping into the role of Chief Fire Officer. Please join me in congratulating Mark and welcoming him as he takes on this important leadership role.