I am very sorry to report the sorrowful death of former Chairman of Surrey County Council, Baroness Susan Thomas of Walliswood OBE DL, in Chichester last month.
Wife of the late David, Susan was a loving mother and grandmother, Liberal Democrat, campaigner and passionate gardener.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
Act of Remembrance
It was an honour to host and join the procession as Surrey County Council marked Act of Remembrance last month. For the first time, we held the service in the reception area at Woodhatch Place due to the inclement British weather.
I had great pleasure in welcoming the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, the High Sheriff of Surrey, members of the Royal British Legion, Surrey's currently serving and retired military, Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Turner Stewart, Deputy Chief Executive Leigh Whitehouse and Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin.
We all joined together to pay respects to all those who fought in the two World Wars to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life, as well as those who have fought in many conflicts since. It was also great to see how many staff joined us wearing red poppies in respect as a symbol of remembrance, hope for a peaceful future and to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in war.
Chair’s Theme
As you know, my theme for my term of office is ‘Celebrating Diverse Communities’. This month I have been visiting charities that support members of diverse communities across the county to learn more about what they do; listen to their needs; learning about the barriers facing those they support; and to determine how I and Surrey County Council can help champion their work. I look forward to reporting in the new year the charities I have visited and the outcomes of those visits.
Volunteers’ Reception – Call for Nominations
Nominations for the Chair’s annual Volunteers’ Reception are starting to arrive; many thanks indeed to those of you who have submitted your nominations.
I am, however, yet to receive nominations from most of you. I know that you all have incredible people serving your communities who making a significant difference to the residents in your divisions. I would love to receive at least one nomination from each of you – although the more nominations the merrier!
Please do not be discouraged from nominating by my diversity theme. My office would love to hear from anyone in your patch that is doing great work for others and who deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Please submit all nominations by 20 December. Thank you.
Social Media Drop-in
Our Communications & Engagement team is holding a social media drop-in session!
Please come and meet officers from the Communications & Engagement team to discuss one-to-one, how you can use social media in your roles as Members.
This will be an informal drop-in session to provide the opportunity for you to ask about any queries or concerns you may have relating to social media. They can advise on things like setting up Facebook pages, when to respond to residents and where to find the right information.
Officers can be found at the back of the Council Chamber both before and after the Council meeting on 12 December.
Christmas
The festive season is well and truly upon us and I have had the pleasure of turning on many Christmas lights in towns, villages and communities across Surrey. Being amongst the joy and good cheer has been truly heartwarming and one of the wonderful highlights in my role as Chair.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you enjoy the break and recharge your batteries.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Minutes:
Edward Hawkins joined the meeting at 10.04 am.
The Chair:
· Informed Members of the deaths of a former Chairman of Surrey County Council, Baroness Susan Thomas of Walliswood OBE DL, and Maureen Furey - wife of Councillor John Furey - whose funeral would be taking place on 13 December; and led the Council in a moment of reflection.
· Encouraged Members to submit their nominations by 20 December for the Chair’s annual Volunteers' Reception.
· Highlighted the social media drop-in session for Members with the Communications and Engagement team.
· Noted that the rest of his announcements could be found in the agenda.