To receive such announcements as may be made by the Mayor.
Minutes:
The Mayor :-
(1) Extended a warm welcome to a new member of our Corporate Management Team, Interim Borough Solicitor, Caroline Elwood and reported that Caroline had over 30 years' experience in local government, holding senior legal positions at Sefton Council, Salford City Council, Vale Royal Borough Council and Preston City Council. Caroline replaced Chris Chapman, who left the authority to commence his new role at Herefordshire Council.
(2) Announced that, in early November, Cheshire East had the privilege of hosting three Homecoming Parades for the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) and that It had been a wonderful sight to see over 500 soldiers marching through the streets of Macclesfield, Crewe and Congleton and to witness the wonderful reception they received from the public. There had been some really positive feedback from The Mercians and the Mayor thanked all those who had supported the events and stated that, hopefully, next year the regiment would be visiting some of the other towns in Cheshire East.
(3) Following on the military theme, the Mayor reported that, as a fundraiser for his charity, the Army Benevolent Fund, he had organised a Dress Down Friday for staff at Cheshire East. During the day he had visited Macclesfield Town Hall, Dalton House, Emperor Court, Delemere House and Westfields and was delighted to report that a fantastic £638.39 had been raised for the charity.
(4) Announced that, in the previous month, the Council had published a “What’s on in Cheshire East” guide, which was funded by the Cheshire East Economic Recovery Task Group. The 16 page guide highlighted all the activities and events taking place across Cheshire East’s towns during the festive season. If Members hadn’t already received a copy they were available to collect after the meeting.
(5) Announced that that the Council had also published a 2011 ‘Open Air’ calendar, put together by the Council’s Rangers, which featured some stunning photos taken by staff, showing Cheshire East throughout the seasons. The calendar also promoted events and activities in the 2011 Open Air programme. It was a perfect stocking filler and Members could obtain copies for £2.50 each from the Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall, in Macclesfield.
(6) Announced that the grand opening of the £52m Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass had taken place on 19 November, almost a century after the first plans were drawn up. The three-mile route, one of the biggest current highway schemes in the North West, was officially opened by the Right Honourable George Osborne, MP for Tatton. More than 150 invited guests had attended the ceremony, followed by a tour of the bypass and a celebratory lunch at Festival Hall, Alderley Edge. The Mayor congratulated all those involved in what has been an incredibly complex and demanding engineering project, undertaken by contractor, Birse Civils and was completed more that six months early. This represented an excellent example of partnership working.
(7) As this was the last meeting before the end of the year and Christmas, the Mayor had arranged for mulled wine, mince pies and coffee to be served after the meeting in Capesthorne Room and he invited Members and Officers to join him for a short celebration, with musical accompaniment from Styal Primary School.