Issue - meetings

The Chairman to report.

A list of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List 2015 and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service are included within the agenda papers. The Chairman has written letters of congratulations to all those who have received awards for services to Surrey communities.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

(i)            South East Employers Member Development Charter Award – Cllr Rory Love, Chairman of South East Employers presented the Chairman of the Member Development Steering Group with the Award. He was invited to say a few words.

(ii)           Surrey Fire and Rescue Service – the Chairman presented an award, received from the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (The Tigers) to the Chief Fire Officer, in recognition for the service’s sterling efforts in rescuing artefacts from the Surrey Infantry Museum, including the regimental colours at the recent Clandon Park House Fire.

(iii)          Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2015 and the Queen’s   Awards for Voluntary Service – the full lists were included within the agenda. However, she drew attention to the honours received by:

·           Lynne Owens, Chief Constable for Surrey Police

·           Mrs Perdita Hunt, Director of Watts Gallery

·           Mr Nick Sealy, past High Sheriff

·           Ms Kate Orrick, Head of DifD Libya

Also, she acknowledged the high number of volunteer groups that had been recognised and received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.

(iv)         On behalf of the Council, she congratulated David Hodge on being elected as Leader of the Conservative Group at the Local Government Association (LGA) and also at the same time being installed as one of the LGAs four Vice-Chairmen.

(v)          Magna Carta event, Runnymede Meadows on 15 June 2015, she said that this was an outstanding event, and that she was honoured to receive HM the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other VIPs to the event. She thanked all those involved, including Surrey County Council staff, volunteers and the Police, for making it a memorable occasion.

(vi)         Armed Forces Day on 27 June 2015 had been marked with celebrations across the UK, with a focus on Guildford where there was a service at Guildford Cathedral, a High Street parade, a Red Arrows fly past and entertainment in Stoke Park. She also thanked the volunteers and Surrey Police.