Agenda item

The Chairman and Chief Executive made the following announcements.

Chairman’s Engagements

The Chairman advised that a copy of the events attended by himself or the Vice-Chairman was included in the published agenda pack. The Chairman advised Council that he was hosting a Bingo night on 7 December and encouraged Members to attend as all proceeds from the event would go towards the Chairman’s charities for the year, Kidlington Youth Football, Garden City Football Club, Evans Lane FC and the St John’s Hall Children’s Centre in Kidlington

Heyford & Bicester Veterans Association

The Chief Executive referred to the remembrance memorial the Association had put in in the chamber and invited Martin Brimacombe from the Heyford & Bicester Veterans Association to say a few words.

Martin Brimacombe introduced Ian Ridley and Tracey Ridley, who had started the Group with him in 2016. Martin gave an overview of the group, which meets in Upper Heyford community centre, on the First Friday of each month. The meeting is a chance for local veterans to meet and a catch up with friends. While at the meeting veterans can also get help filling out forms and applications, get advice and confidential support from relevant service charities and organisations.

Kidlington Girl Guides

The Chairman reported that he was pleased to let Council know that the Kidlington Girl Guides’ new building was nearly finished. This wouldn’t have been possible without the loan from Cherwell District Council and he and the Guides were extremely grateful to the council.

James Doble, Assistant Director: Law and Governance / Monitoring Officer

The Chairman explained that whilst James wasn’t leaving his employment with Cherwell District Council until December, this was the last Full Council meeting he would be attending so the Chairman was taking the opportunity to thank James for his hard work for CDC since he joined in March 2008, and also SNC since the shared working arrangements from 2010. The Chairman also paid particular thanks to James for the help and support he had provided to him personally.

The Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Woodcock, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Wood, extended their gratitude and best wishes to James

On behalf of Council, the Chairman wished James all the best in his new role at Stoke-on-Trent Council.

Member Allowance Survey

The Chief Executive reminded councillors of the Members’ Allowance Survery requesting that if they hadn’t already done so, to complete the survey via Survey Monkey or a paper copy. The responses received were valued by the Independent Remuneration Panel who use the information when forming their recommendations on member allowances for the next financial year.

Staff Choir Performance

The Chief Executive advised Council that before the next meeting of Full Council on Monday 17 December, from 5.45pm, the staff choir will be putting on a performance of Christmas carols for Members. Members will be able to join in the singing as the words will be on the screens and the Leader has also agreed to provide mince pies.

Post

The Chairman reminded members to collect any post from pigeon holes.