Minutes:
Councillor Walker addressed Council to reflect on what an extraordinary privilege it has been to hold the role of Chair.
One of the honours of serving as Chair had been the opportunity to see firsthand the remarkable range and depth of community and charity work taking place right across our district. This year had shown the extent of the generosity, energy and commitment of the people who make our communities stronger. Councillor Walker reported on having had the chance to see the dedication of our council teams commenting that so much important work happened quietly behind the scenes, often without recognition, but it made a real difference to people's lives every single day. Councillor Walker expressed her sincere thanks to all of those officers and staff who work so hard for our residents and communities.
A particularly meaningful part of this year had been working with her three chosen charities, the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, Homelessness Oxfordshire, and Asylum Welcome, and gaining an insight into the amazing work they do in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our district. Their compassion, professionalism, and determination was truly inspiring.
Together with Councillors Lesley McLean and Chris Brant, Councillor Walker had participated in the Oxfordshire Homelessness Movement sponsored sleepout in University Parks and was proud to report that they had raised just under £2000. Councillor Walker thanked all who had contributed.
Councillor Walker referred to the many fundraising events, community gatherings and civic occasions she had attended during the year, it had been genuinely humbling to visit the level of commitment, goodwill and sheer hard work that goes on across our district. Councillor Walker referred to the privilege she felt taking part in events that honoured our shared history, traditions and ancient institutions, highlighting and commending the people who gave their time, their effort, and their compassion to others. These organisations and groups are incredibly important for our society, creating communities that are kinder, stronger and more connected and she was very proud and honoured to have been able to witness and participate in them during her time as Chair.
Councillor Walker thanked her fellow councillors, council officers, volunteers, charities, community groups and residents for the support, kindness and friendship shown to me throughout the year. Special thanks were extended to Shiraz Sheikh (Monitoring Officer), Tash Clark (Governance and Elections Manager) for their advice and guidance in meetings and in the wider context; to Alex Robinson (Executive Support Team Manager), for all her help, particularly at her charity; and to the Chair’s Personal Assistant, Nicola Ikincisoy, who had been incredibly supportive and competent throughout her term and presented her with flowers as a token of her appreciation.
Councillor Walker expressed gratitude to Councillor Simpson for ably supporting her as Vice Chair and for stepping in over the last month and wished him all the very best for his year in office.
Councillor Walker invited Jane Cranston, the Chair of Trustees of the Oxfordshire Homelessness Movement, Dr. Harry Reid of Asylum Welcome to say a few words about their respective charities.