Donations to Surrey Charities
Whilst Christmas now seems a rather distant memory, I am pleased to announce that, instead of hosting a Christmas Reception, I donated much-needed funds to several Surrey charities that help some of our most vulnerable and at-risk residents. As you know, my theme for my chairmanship is ‘Celebrating Diverse Communities’ and I therefore selected a number of charities that do fantastic and vital work within Surrey’s diverse communities. Furthermore, as we are all too aware, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty and I therefore donated to foodbanks and homeless charities across the county. We have had some heartfelt feedback and I am humbled to know that among others, donations ensured that many were given a hot meal and a warm bed over the festive period.
Thank You to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)
On Christmas Day, I visited Surrey’s Fire Stations in Guildford, Painshill and Woking to not only wish the firefighters and staff a very ‘Merry Christmas’ but also to thank them on behalf of Members for all they do to keep us safe all year round, particularly on those special days when most of us are relaxing and having fun with family and friends. They do an incredible job and it was a privilege to spend time with them and boost morale.
At the end of December, I attended a Pass Out Parade for the new
recruits and was so impressed by the men and women joining the SFRS
who I have no doubt will continue to uphold the superb standards of
our Fire Service. I am proud of each and every one of them and I
wish them all the very best in their new careers.
King’s New Year Honours
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the Surrey residents who were honoured in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours. Our great county is home to exceptional residents who have made a significant and often immeasurable difference to the lives of many Surrey residents.
A particular ‘well done’ to Surrey County Councillor Rachael Lake, who received an Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community in Walton-on-Thames. Very many congratulations to you Rachael - your residents are lucky to have you.
Please find the list of Surrey New Year Honours 2024 here: New Year Honours List 2024 - Surrey Lieutenancy
Holocaust Memorial Day 2024
On 26 January we marked Holocaust Memorial Day to remember and pay respects to all those who suffered so horrendously at the hands of Nazi Germany.
Members and officers gathered at Woodhatch Place to hear from Councillor Paul Deach, who spoke so movingly about his experiences of growing up in a Jewish household in Manchester. We reflected on the Holocaust and other genocides that have taken place over the years and we lit candles in remembrance of those who perished.
To find out more, please visit Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (hmd.org.uk)
Social Media Drop-in
Our Communications and Engagement team is once again holding a social media drop-in session!
Please come and meet officers from that 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 in the Council Chamber after the Council meeting.
Members & Officers
I would like to thank Members and officers for your continued and exceptional hard work to support our residents, particularly over the festive period. Winter has brought further seasonal pressures and challenges and I know everyone is working continuously to support and deliver for our residents. Thank you – and please keep up the excellent work.
Joanna Killian – Thank You and Farewell
Last - but by absolutely no means least - I would like to conclude by saying ‘farewell’ and ‘thank you’ to our Chief Executive, Joanna Killian who will sadly be leaving Surrey County Council. Her last working day will be 6 March, exactly six years to the day that she joined us, she will be taking up the prestigious position of Chief Executive of the Local Government Association.
Joanna has been an absolute powerhouse since she joined us in 2018; turning around the organisation, leading us superbly through the tumultuous Covid years and beyond and, of course, taking the Council’s headquarters back into Surrey for the first time since 1965. Her positive impact upon the Council, Surrey and its residents is immeasurable and we are all immensely grateful to her. The Council’s loss is certainly the LGA’s gain and they are extremely lucky to have her. I have no doubt she will be exceptionally successful in her new role and I am sure you will all join me in wishing Joanna the very best of luck. Joanna, on behalf of us all - thank you.
Minutes:
The Chair:
· Congratulated the Surrey residents who were honoured in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours; including Surrey County Councillor Rachael Lake, who received an Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community in Walton-on-Thames.
· Reported the death of former County Councillor Daphne Plaskow, she represented the Walton-on-Thames division between 1985-1989.
· Highlighted the social media drop-in session for Members with the Communications and Engagement team.
· Noted his thanks to the Chief Executive, Joanna Killian who would be leaving Surrey County Council on 6 March, and wished her luck in her new position as the Chief Executive of the Local Government Association.
· Celebrated the launch of the Super Access service at Horley Library.
· Noted that the rest of his announcements could be found in the agenda.