Minutes:
The Mayor made the following announcements:
1 Mayor’s Statement
I wish to make this statement now in relation to a subject that has certainly been in the news during the last week or so. There is a motion on the agenda later but I will not be participating in that debate as I do not wish to compromise my impartiality as chairman. I also do not wish to pre-empt or prejudice what will be said by other members but I think it’s important for me to make a statement setting the record straight. I would have made this statement anyway, irrespective of the motion under item 15.1.
We have just listened to a wonderful poem about Enfield and I hope members enjoyed it as much as I did. We have also had prayers in the Mayor’s Parlour before the Council meeting and I thank all those who came along. I want to hold prayers before each meeting and include as many representatives as possible from different religions across the Borough. My actions have not been anti-religious or anti-prayer. On the contrary, I am a practicing Christian and value the power of prayer. However, I do not believe in imposing prayer on everybody and I have therefore given people the option of joining me in the parlour if they wish, whilst also promoting the arts in the Borough with the poetry readings at Council.
2. Bowes Primary School
Welcome to pupils from Bowes School who have joined us tonight as winners of the Primary Schools Debating Competition this year. Please come forward to receive your trophy. They will stay for some of our debate tonight.
3. Notable Events
On Sunday 27 June I attended the Armed Forces Celebration Parade organised by the Enfield British Legion. I was joined by other dignitaries in the Market Square where we took the salute of the march past which was formed by air cadets, sea cadets, army cadets and some veterans to commemorate Armed Forces Day.
I also laid a wreath at the Baltic Memorial in memory of all those lost in the Arctic Campaign.
On Saturday I attended the Annual Beating of the Retreat which was a very colourful occasion. I am delighted to say that 1st Enfield Boys Brigade Unit was presented with the London Colours which they keep for a year.
The launch of the Mayor’s Poetry Competition will be on 15th July in the Mayor’s Parlour. All money raised from this will go to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal. I am delighted to say that Mario Petrucci, former Poet Laureate of the Imperial War Museum and resident of Enfield will be the judge.
4. Death of former Cllr Lyn Romain
I am sad to inform you of the death of former Councillor Lyn Romain last Saturday, I would like to invite Councillor Brett to address the Council.”
Councillor Brett expressed her sadness on the recent passing of Lyn Romain, she felt that the borough had lost an important ambassador for community cohesion and her thoughts were with Councillor Bond and her family.
Councillor Lavender endorsed all of the comments of Councillor Brett and sent his best wishes to Councillor Bond.
The Mayor asked the Council to stand for 1 minutes silence in her memory.