Welcome
Welcome everyone to our last Council meeting of 2022!
I would like to thank you all for your dedication and hard work over the past twelve months to assist our residents and make Surrey an even better place in which to live and work. It has been a very challenging year for many of our residents and unfortunately, circumstances are likely to get even harder for some time yet.
I know, however, that together with our excellent officers in Surrey County Council (SCC), we will continue to do our very best and deliver for our residents.
Stars in Surrey Awards
Which leads me on nicely to the ‘Stars in Surrey’ Awards – SCC’s inaugural awards to recognise and celebrate the efforts and successes of individuals and teams across the council, as well as our partners and heroes in our communities. I had the privilege of sitting on the judging panel which was both awe-inspiring and humbling. There were a staggering 450 nominations across the length and breadth of the service and county; the commitment, passion and expertise of all those nominated was exceptional.
I would like to take this opportunity to say again a huge and heart-felt ‘thank you’ to all our winners and nominees. How lucky we are to have you.
Act of Remembrance
On 11 November it was my honour to hold a short Act of Remembrance in the memorial garden at Woodhatch Place. I was joined by Joanna Killian, Chief Executive, members of the Royal British Legion, serving military personnel, members of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Members and officers of SCC.
Along with millions of people throughout the country, we paused at 11 o’clock to remember all those who fought and gave their lives in two World Wars - and many other conflicts since - in the service of our country, its values and its freedoms. We paid tribute to the brave soldiers of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom. Our thoughts and prayers remain steadfast with the people of Ukraine.
Members Allocation
Over the past year, it has been my honour and privilege to visit a great number of charities throughout Surrey who do the most wonderful things to help and support our most vulnerable residents.
I have visited, supported and donated to many phenomenal charities this year – The Rainbow Trust, Surrey Search & Rescue, Transform Housing, Surplus for Supper, The Brain Tumour Trust, Surrey War Widows, What Next, LeatherHEAD Start, Dorking Men’s Shed – to name but a few.
Many charities are struggling with fewer donations which, of course, now need to go a lot further.
With that in mind, this is a friendly reminder that the deadline for spending your Members’ Allocation is fast approaching – 31 January next year. Any requests submitted after this time will not be met and any monies leftover will not be carried forward into the next financial year. There are so many deserving causes in your areas; please ensure that you spend your allocation on these worthwhile charities.
Merry Christmas!
On that note, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I wish you all a well-deserved break over the festive period. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year to continue our vital work for the people of Surrey.
Minutes:
The Chair:
· Led the Council in a moment of silence for the families affected by the terrible events that occurred in the last few days in Solihull.
· Congratulated the Chief Executive of the Council and her amazing staff on the recent Stars in Surrey award ceremony, she congratulated the winners and nominees of the Awards and hoped that they would carry on in the future.
· Noted that her full announcements could be found in the Council agenda front sheet.