Minutes:
Election of New Councillors
Following the recent by-elections held in St. Oswald and Linacre Wards, the Mayor extended a warm welcome to the 2 new Councillors elected to office, namely:
· Councillor Helen Duerden
· Councillor Jim Conalty
John Fairclough
The Mayor reported that John Fairclough had stood down as a Councillor on 28 May 2024.
On behalf of the Council, the Mayor thanked John Fairclough for his dedicated service to the people of Sefton, which totalled over 30 years, and extended her best wishes to him for the future.
Launch of MS Queen Anne
On Monday, 3 June 2024, the Mayor was honoured to attend the official naming of MS Queen Anne in Liverpool. The Mayor considered that it was a wonderful afternoon, and she met the captain to present a Sefton Crest Shield for the Ship.
Sefton CVS Volunteers Awards
On Thursday, 6 June 2024 the Mayor was thrilled to attend the awards at Bootle Town Hall, as she considered that without the amazing volunteers, the support and help people needed would be non-existent. The Mayor congratulated everyone who had received awards.
Armed Forces Day
On Sunday, 30 June 2024 the Mayor attended the Armed Forces Day Event in Southport and was pleased to see the Leader and some of her fellow Members in attendance. The Mayor considered that it was a wonderful day for the Borough, and she was thankful that the rain held off until just as she was leaving.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service – New Training Facilities
The Mayor had attended the opening of the new Training and Development Academy for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at Long Lane, Aintree, and was very much impressed with the facilities. She hoped that other Members would take up any opportunities to visit the training facilities.
Marriage of the Mayor
The Mayor announced that she had recently married and was also known as Mrs. O’Brien.
Death of Anthony Hill
The Mayor reported with great sadness on the loss of former Councillor Anthony Hill who passed away on 10 June 2024. Anthony Hill was elected as a Councillor for Victoria Ward in May 1987 and served on the Council for 25 years. During his time on the Council he was the Cabinet Member for Environmental matters, he was Chair of the Health Scrutiny and Review Committee, and he was Mayor in 2001/02.
On behalf of the Council, the Mayor acknowledged Anthony Hill’s dedicated service to Sefton and extended her sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Councillors Pugh, Webster, Carragher, Byrom, Brodie-Browne, Harvey and Brough paid tribute to Anthony Hill
Death of Richard Hands
The Mayor reported with great sadness on the loss of former Councillor Richard Hands who passed away on 3 July 2024. Richard Hands was elected as a Councillor for Birkdale Ward in May 1986 and served on the Council for 35 years. During his time on the Council he was the Chair of the Southport Area Committee, the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee, and the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services). He was Mayor in 2007/08.
On behalf of the Council, the Mayor acknowledged Richard Hand’s dedicated service to Sefton and extended her sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Councillors Pugh, Byrom, Lappin, Brough, Evans and Brodie-Browne, paid tribute to Richard Hands.
The Council observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect in reflecting on the sad passing of both Anthony Hill and Richard Hands.