Agenda item - Mayor's Thanks & Presentations

The Mayor will give thanks for her year in office and make some presentations.

3.1            The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that at the start of her Mayoral term she began by saying how big a mo-ment this was for a small person. If nothing else she had learned this year how much a small person could pack into twelve months. It’s been astonishing.

3.2            The meetings of full council had been one of her favourite activities of the past year; and she thanked all councillors for responding so kindly to her chairing of the meetings.  She was also grateful to the support from officers, for making it a relatively fuss free experience. Whilst she was aware that many mayors it was their least favourite role, but she had enjoyed it immensely.

3.3            The Mayor stated that she had also greatly enjoyed the social opportunities provided by the office of the mayoralty.  As a councillor of some long-standing she thought she knew the city well, but she had been amazed to discover dozens of organisations, groups and bodies that she had previously been unaware of.  There were even parts of the city she had never visited before and that was quite an eye opener for someone who considered themselves knowledgeable about Brighton & Hove.  

3.4            During some of these events her former theatrical life came in useful.  Engagements were like performances except the script was always changing and wardrobe instructions were not always clear.  If she had one word of advice for any future Mayors, it was an ability to extemporise!  Everywhere there had been welcoming faces, friends old and new and hundreds and hundreds of volunteers. Her predecessors had commented on the value of volunteering and she would happily join their chorus.  The city owed a massive debt of thanks to its volunteers.  It simply would not function without them and in these days where every penny counted their selflessness, generosity and humanity has a quantifiable value. 

3.5             The Mayor stated that here mayoralty also coincided with a couple of personal landmarks; she turned 70 and had decided not to seek re-election. These moments made the year additionally meaningful and underlined the emotional impact built into representing one’s home.  She could not have carried out that role without support and thanked the following individuals for their help.

·           Councillor Lynda Hyde for her advice on being a petite, female Mayor, and for being full of insight and advice, including three invaluable tips; black tights, a fiver and a no handbag!

·           Robert Brown MBE for being her consort;

·           Father Robert Brown for being her Chaplain and Rob Coupland for being his deputy; and

·           Robbie Robertson, the Mayor’s Chauffeur for his support and guidance.

3.6            The Mayor also thanked the Civic Office, Rosemary, Jackie, Anne Meadows, Peter Chivers, James Ledward, and Karl Jones for their personal and professional support.  Without them her year would have been so different, and she particularly liked to thank them for supporting her ‘famous five’ charities; Albion in the Community, The Martlets, RISE, The Clock Tower and Sussex Heart Charity.  

3.7            It had been an amazing year, full of incident and excitement. The Mayoral role at Citizenship Ceremonies in particular came as a wonderful surprise.  She had no idea we hosted so many and that they would be so touching.  It was also a tribute to the inclusiveness of our city that so many find a welcome and safe harbour. We should be very proud of our appeal.

3.8            The Mayor stated that she would like to close by offering the new Mayor, Councillor Simson her very best wishes; and to thank all Members for gifting her the opportunity.  It had been truly memorable and she hoped she had repaid their kindness with her efforts.