Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the proposal to grant the Freedom of the Borough to the 1^st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire).

The Sub-Committee considered proposed arrangements for the granting of the Freedom of the Borough to the 1^st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire).

Members considered two options on the form of ceremony. Representatives of the Regiment could be present at the special meeting of Council and the Council deal with the Freedom of the Borough in one event. Alternatively the Council may wish to pass the resolution and defer the presentation of the scroll and gift and signing of the Roll to form part of one of the homecoming parade marches.

The suggested wording for the resolution to be considered at the Special meeting of Council was as follows:

“That pursuant to the powers contained in the Local Government Act 1972, the Council grant Freedom of Entry to the Borough to the 1^st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), and admit the Regiment to the Roll of Honorary Freemen of the Borough, in recognition of the long and close association between the Cheshire East Borough and the Regiment and confer upon the Regiment the right, privilege and honour of marching through the streets of Cheshire East on ceremonial occasions, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying.”

The Democratic Services Manager and the Head of Communications had been in contact with the Regimental Secretary to keep him informed of progress. The Regimental Secretary was co-ordinating a number of homecoming parades across the North West on behalf of the Officer Commanding the Rear Operations Group. Three provisional dates had been identified for Cheshire East.

RESOLVED

That the Constitution Committee be recommended to agree that

(1)   the Freedom of the Borough be granted to the 1^st Battalion Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) and a special meeting of Council be convened for that purpose;

(2)   the suggested wording for the resolution at the Special Council meeting be approved;

(3)   in conjunction with the Officer Commanding the Rear Operations Group and the Assistant Regimental Secretary, the Officers agree the final, detailed arrangements for at least two, and possibly three, homecoming parades to be held in Macclesfield, Crewe and possibly in Congleton during the second week of November 2010 on dates to be confirmed; and

(4)   the Mayors of Town Councils in Cheshire East be invited to attend the relevant homecoming parade for their area.