Minutes:
Former Councillor John Glaister Morrison OBE QPM
The Mayor reported on the sad death on 21 May 2009 of former Councillor John Morrison, whose funeral took place on 1 June 2009. Mr. Morrison served as a Councillor for Dukes Ward from 1976 to 1982. Councillors Byrom and Sir Ron Watson paid tribute to Mr. Morrison.
Ex-Mayoress of Sefton Mrs. G. Storey
The Mayor reported on the sad death of Mrs. Gwen Storey on 3 July 2009. He stated that Mrs. Storey had accompanied her husband, Councillor Eric Storey, on many of their engagements carried out during their Term of Office as Mayor and Mayoress during 1987/1988. The Mayor indicated that the funeral service for Mrs. Storey would be held on Tuesday, 14 July 2009 at 12.45 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Formby.
The Council then stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to the memory of Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Storey.
Civic Service
The Mayor reported that his Civic Service, conducted by the Reverend Keith Jones, was held at Holy Trinity Church in Formby on 21 June 2009 and he thanked those who had attended.
North West Employers Organisation - Equality and Diversity Awards 2009
The Mayor reported that in 2007, the North West Employers Organisation had launched a new Awards scheme to recognise and celebrate local authorities in the North West who were developing best practice in addressing equality, diversity and social inclusion. He added that the Equalities Partnership had already succeeded in receiving awards for its work both in 2007 and 2008 and that this year the Council had been successful at receiving two further awards for its work on the Holocaust Memorial Project and the ABILITY network. An awards event had been held on 20 May, at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester at which community members, trade unionists and staff attended. The Mayor reported that 30 submissions, of which 12 met the NWEO criteria, had been received from Authorities/partner organisations in the North West.
Uniform at Work Day
The Mayor reported that, in support of this year’s national Armed Forces Day, he had hosted an event for a number of Sefton Council employees, who were HM Forces Veterans, in the Mayor’s Parlour in Bootle Town Hall on 26 June 2009. He hoped that, in this small way, the Council could demonstrate its support for its own employees who were either former serving members of H.M. Forces or who currently serve as Reserve Forces.
Launch of Mayoral Theme-Music and 'Heroes Welcome in Sefton'
The Mayor reported that on 25 June 2009 he had launched his Principal Theme for his Mayoral Year and introduced the initiative: ‘Heroes Welcome in Sefton’. He indicated that the event was well attended by invited representatives of Veterans organisations and members of Sefton’s Chamber of Commerce. He added that to accompany the introduction of his theme of music on the day, he was most grateful for the Sefton Music Services Brass Ensemble who provided an excellent display of the musical talent we have in our Borough.
The Mayor indicated that the 'Heroes Welcome in Sefton' initiative, as outlined in his Installation speech, was received with great enthusiasm and he was looking forward to developing the subject with the Sefton Chamber of Commerce.
At this juncture, Members of the Council watched a short DVD, which was aimed at promoting Civic Pride within the community towards our Armed Forces.
The Mayor agreed to ensure that any Councillors who had served in H.M. Forces were invited to any future similar events. Councillor Brennan suggested that a presentation on this issue could be considered for the Council meeting to be held on 3 September 2009.