To receive such announcements as may be made by the Mayor.
Minutes:
The Mayor:-
1. Announced that her first duty at the meeting was a very pleasurable one, and that was to present two of the Borough’s local Councils; Holmes Chapel and Knutsford, with National Association of Local Councils Gold Awards. There were only a handful of Town and Parish Councils across the country that had reached this standard. To gain a Gold Award, a local Council must demonstrate that they were at the forefront of best practice and that that they had achieved excellence in governance, community leadership and community development. She invited Cllr Stephen Granger, of Holmes Chapel Parish Council and Cllr Jan Nicholson, Mayor of Knutsford to step forward to receive the award on behalf of their respective Councils. They were accompanied by Mr Philip Jackson from the Cheshire Association of Local Councils.
2. Announced that, since Mayor Making the Deputy Mayor and herself had attended over 90 events, representing the Council and where appropriate “flying the flag” for Cheshire East. As was the custom, a list of these events had been circulated around the Chamber.
3. Referred to the recent event that Cheshire East organised to commemorate the centenary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. It had been her privilege to welcome the Lord Lieutenant to Nantwich to the event, that had been extremely well attended and included the participation of over 200 children from local schools. She considered it right and proper that events of a hundred years ago should be remembered and she was pleased that the Cheshire East Reflects programme, launched in 2014, was helping to do this so effectively.
4. Stated that, during her year as Mayor, she was keen to meet as many residents and businesses as possible. She had recently written to all Members, asking that they nominate a small number of volunteers from their wards for her to invite to afternoon tea in, either the Mayor’s parlour in Crewe or Macclesfield. She thanked those Members who had sent nominations so far and encouraged those who had not responded to do so.
5. Announced that she had hosted her first two afternoon teas, which had reaffirmed her conviction that Cheshire East was blessed with a vibrant voluntary sector. She would be hosting these teas on a regular basis over the coming months.
6. Announced that, on the 1st of July, a delegation from Sixian County, in China, had visited South Cheshire College in Crewe. Cllr Margaret Simon, on behalf of Cheshire East Council and as a Governor of the College, had signed a friendship agreement with the leaders of the delegation. Whilst very different to the more traditional twinning agreements, and having no financial implications, the agreement aimed to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and British people. She invited Members to view two wonderful ceremonial scrolls, presented by the Chinese delegation who had visited Cheshire East, which were on display by the entrance to the Chamber. Having consulted with Cllr Simon, it was her intention to place these scrolls, along with copies of the Friendship Agreement in English and Chinese, on permanent display in the Mayor’s Reception Room in Crewe.
7. Reported that, as some Members would be aware, Councillor David Newton had been ill. She asked Members to join her in wishing him a speedy recovery.
8. Stated that she had recently written to Members, informing them about the details of her Mayor’s Charity Ball. She thanked those Members who had booked tickets and urged those who had not to do so.
9. Urged Members to sponsor her in her weight loss programme in order to raise money for her charities.