Minutes:
The Mayor made the following announcements:
February had been a busy month for the mayoral team, and the Mayor began by thanking the officers, her consorts, the deputy mayor and her consort for their support and the people of Enfield for their wonderful invitations.
1. Past Engagements
1.1 Commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day – led ably by Councillor Levy with wonderful musical performances. The Mayor said that no-one could help but be moved as they remembered those who had died in the Holocaust.
1.2 Presentations:
· Supporting local schools who had taken part in poetry and public speaking competitions.
· Presenting awards to girl guides at the Millfield Theatre as part of the Jack Petchey award scheme.
· Awarding medals and prizes at the Dugdale Centre to those who had taken part in the Christmas Parade of Lights on 27 November 2016, bringing Christmas to the borough.
1.3 Kurdish Community Breakfast and Mosque Open Days – The Mayor reported that she had attended the Mevluna Rumi Mosque and the Almasjid Trust Mosque with Councillors Georgiou, Sitkin, Ekechi and Jiagge.
1.4 Dinner with the Sisters of the Holy Family Convent in London Road: an evening learning about the sacrifices that the founder sisters had made in Poland to save the lives of the men of the town where they had settled. This was an astonishing story with particular relevance to the upcoming International Women’s Day on 8 March 2017.
1.5 Chickenshed Theatre Fundraiser – a wonderful evening showcasing outstanding Enfield talent. All had loved the performance of her son, in particular.
1.6 Opening of the New Lidl supermarket in the Hertford Road – a lovely morning.
1.7 Attending the Islam Exhibition at the Enfield Mosque in Ponders End. The Mayor thanked the imams for their welcome.
2. Enfield Sounds Great Charity
Future fundraising projects included St Patrick’s Eve Celebrations (16 March 2017) and the Mayor’s Spring Ball at the Royal Chase Hotel on 25 March 2017. All were invited. There was to be wonderful live music as well as a surprise live performance. One of the tables would be sponsored by local businesses and would be occupied by a mixture of guests from the Metropolitan Police, Fire Service, NHS, local volunteers and veterans.
Tickets for the ball are on sale through the Mayor’s Office.
3. International Women’s Day
There will be a major event at the Millfield Theatre, organised by the Mayor, Councillor Brett and Councillor Doyle as well as other events through the day including in the evening a film on the suffragettes at the Fox Pub in Palmers Green.
Enfield Town Football club would be supporting the “Women at the Game Initiative”, on the following weekend (Saturday 4 March 2017) offering free entry to women and girls – an initiative to encourage women to go to a football match.
4. WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality)
The Mayor paid tribute to all the women involved in the WASPI Campaign, the solidarity shown to each other in Enfield and to the Leader of the Council for his part in lobbying the Government on this issue.
The Mayor also paid tribute to the all the female politicians in Enfield reminding everyone that it was not until 1928 that women were fully granted equal voting rights. She also welcomed the appointment of Cressida Dick, recently appointed the first female Commissioner of Scotland Yard.
The Mayor quoted Emmeline Pankhurst “We are not here because we are law breakers; we are here in our effort to become law makers.”
5. Award to Charlotte Culling
The Mayor congratulated Charlotte Culling, a young apprentice working in the walled garden at Forty Hall, and invited her to the front of the chamber to receive an award. Charlotte had been so hardworking and conscientious and had shown such a passion for gardening that the Friends of Forty Hall Park had decided to give her one of their few awards.
6. Death of Former Councillors Terry Smith and Ian McCann, and Freeman of the Borough Sam Bell
Councillor Taylor said a few words in memory of Sam Bell who had been awarded Freeman of the Borough in 2003. Sam had been a gentle and welcoming man who had dedicated much time to Enfield Racial Equality Council as well as other causes and also served as a governor of Capel Manor College. He had made a huge contribution to racial equality and would be sorely missed.
Councillor Neville said a few words in memory of Terry Smith who had served on the Council for two terms. He had been, whilst outspoken at times, a dedicated, hardworking councillor who had served on various committees. When the party had been in control, he had never hesitated to say what he felt it necessary. He sadly passed away quite quickly. The funeral will be held on the 9 March 2017.
Councillor Rye said a few words in memory of Councillor Ian McCann. Councillor Ian McCann had been a good, staunchly loyal ward councillor who had worked together with well with former Councillor Yates in Chase Ward. He had moved away from Enfield some time ago, but had continued to serve as a councillor in the Midlands. He will be sadly missed.
A minutes silence was held in their honour.