Agenda item - Mayor's Thanks & Presentations

The Mayor will give thanks and make some presentations.

2.3.           The Mayor stated that she wished to reflect on her year as Mayor and stated that her overriding thought was that 21st May 2015 to 12^th May 2016 had been the best year of her life and this was for many reasons.  Apart from her chosen Mayoral charities, she had been able to attend so many charity events to give support.  She knew that Brighton, Hove and Portslade was full of generous people but had no idea of how much time and energy people gave to our City.  She had always believed most people to be decent and giving and has had this confirmed over and over again.

2.4.           As Mayor the engagements she attended were many and varied, and right from the onset she decided she would attend all events where the Mayor’s presence was requested,  which were deemed to be suitable and subject to her diary.  She wanted to be inclusive reaching out to all sections of our community. Two examples of this were the very formal occasion of the installation of Bishop Richard Moth as Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton at Arundel Cathedral. Followed by a reception at Arundel Castle and being introduced to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. Contrasted by visiting a local cats’ rescue home which needed to find new premises, and which she assisted them in their quest for new premises. 

2.5.           She also attended many concerts, went into schools to talk about the Mayoralty, visited Churches and synagogues, attended Royal British Legion ceremonies,  many graduation days, held receptions in the Parlour, and opened nine bowling seasons on nine different pitches in one day.  She started off the Brighton Marathon with Zoe Ball and held the tape as the winner came in.  Handed out prizes to many of our schools on various sports days and tournaments, welcomed the Japanese and Somian rugby players at the Dome and was lucky enough to watch the Japanese match at the Amex stadium.  She attended a lot of the Arts events and enjoyed many a performance put on by the City’s Gay choirs.  She has also delivered hundreds of speeches. 

2.6.           The Mayor noted that people often ask what has been her favourite event but she could not choose one.  How do you compare the Pride Parade with the Remembrance Day service, the look of joy when the University graduates walk across the Dome stage to collect their degree certificate, to the look of amazement on the children’s faces when the Mayor walks into their school in their robes and tricorne hat, which most of the children think is a pirates hat; to the joy of stroking a dog with a wagging tail who you know is about to be re-homed from the dog rescue centre.  She also stated that she had supported B&H Albion and still expected them to be in the Premier League next season.  Taking all of this into account, her response to what I have enjoyed most of all is the variation in the events she attended and the mental stimulation that had given her.

2.7.           The Mayor stated that she had tried to be a good ambassador for the City when attending engagements outside of the City. The chains of office were much admired wherever she went and that included other Mayors.  She hadendeavoured to put a human face on Local Government and had been absolutely thrilled to be told on many occasions that ‘You are a people’s Mayor’ because she took a great interest in all events she attended and was friendly. 

2.8.           In regard to the mayoral charities, The Argus appeal, the Grace Eyre Foundation and the Martlets, she was delighted to report that they had raised £60,000 which she understood was a record amount raised for the Mayor’s charities.  Her special thanks had to go to Antonia and Phil from the Martletswho had the task of setting up the data base and dealing with payments, to Cat from the Grace Eyre Foundation, Elsa from the Argus Appeal, Joanne Jameson who organised and produced the Mayor’s Variety show, Sue Addis from Donatello’s and Pinocchio’s, Karl from Moshimo the Japanese restaurant opposite this Town Halland the other committee members. Also, my cyclists who have just completed the Brighton to Paris charity cycle ride from the i360 to the Eiffel Tower. Without all of these wonderful and dedicated people none of this would have been possible.

2.9.           The Mayor then stated that she wished to thank her Consorts who had shared the role and gave a special mention to her Grandson Max who had been outstanding.  He was only 12 when she became Mayor and has carried out his duties as Consort with dignity and knowledge.  He always accompanied her not just in formal trousers, jacket and tie but with a waistcoat and a gold watch and chain too.  Her thanks also went to Martin from the Civic office who has run her diary and organised everything she has done; to the drivers who have taken her to events on time regardless of traffic conditions and watched over her while on engagements.  Special thanks went to Robbie who having attended so many of the events before seemed to know everyone in the City and where every door to every building was situated.  She could not have maintained her role as Mayor with the dignity she hoped she had portrayed without the knowledge and expertise of Robbieand the other drivers.  

2.10.        The Mayor also wished to give thanks to her lovely Chaplain Father John who had been a joy to work with.  John was one of the kindest and caring men she had met.  He dedicated his life to supporting everyone who needed him.  She wished him much happiness when he moves to Uckfield to take up his new Ministry. 

2.11.        The Mayor then thanked the Lord Lieutenant who helped with his kindly advice on engagements when she first became Mayor.  Her thanks also went to Councillor Geoffrey Theobald for putting her name forward for the Mayoralty, and the deputy Mayor for stepping in when her diary would not allow her to attend.  Finally she wished to give her thanks to all of the Members in the Chamber for conducting the Council business so professionally, therefore making her job as Chairman that much easier. 

2.12.        She noted that there had been some difficult moments such as when she was asked to get onto a stage to deliver a speech and there were not any steps to assist her and she was wearing a straight skirt under her robes.  Also, on Remembrance Sunday when she was determined to lay the wreath at Rottingdean who hold their service at midday; after having first attend the service at the Steine. 

2.13.        The Mayor noted that very soon the Council would have a new Mayor, Councillor Peter West. She hoped he and his family would have a wonderful year and should his time as Mayor be anything like her year then he was guaranteed to have just that.  Her year had been fantastic and she was grateful for having had the opportunity to represent the City of Brighton and Hove as Mayor.

2.14.        The Mayor then presented some gifts as a mark of her thanks for the support and assistance given to her to by her consorts.