Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting of Council, and wished everyone a very happy new year.
The Mayor firstly took some time to wish fellow Councillor, Gina Needs, a speedy recovery in respect of her recently diagnosed illness and sent all our best wishes to her.
The Mayor informed the Chamber of the sad loss of former Councillor and Cabinet Member Del Goddard. Del was a dedicated public servant for Enfield for many years, being a ward councillor between 1996 – 2014. Following the 2010 council election he was appointed Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration. He was also involved in many other community and partnership organisations. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.
The Mayor was also notified this week of the sad loss of Sylvia Jackson who was a Mayoress in 1990 when her husband, former Councillor John Jackson, was Mayor. Again, our condolences go out to family and friends.
Councillors were invited to say a few words in tribute.
Cllr Doug Taylor spoke of Del Goddard’s many roles in the Council and the borough, his keenness to drive forward change, and his long-lasting impact on Enfield. Cllr Michael Rye spoke of his long friendship with Del Goddard and expressed condolences to his wife and family. Cllr Kate Anolue spoke of her work alongside Del Goddard on Orchardside School Governing Body, and expressed sadness at his passing on behalf of the school. Cllr Joanne Laban praised Del Goddard’s positivity, and heartfelt actions in support of regeneration and to make Enfield a great place to live, work and visit.
Cllr Michael Rye advised that Sylvia Jackson had been a former Mayoress of Enfield twice and had been civically-minded and active in the borough, serving as a school governor and supporting charities, particularly for children with disabilities.
A minute’s silence was marked in respect.
In response to shouting and displaying of flags from the public gallery, and protestors’ disregard of warnings given by the Mayor regarding disruption, the meeting was adjourned and councillors, officers and press representatives reconvened to a secondary meeting area.
The Mayor resumed her announcements after the adjournment.
The Mayor stated that she continued to pray for peace for the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel and looked forward to communities living in safety and security, enjoying equal rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy.
The Mayor continued to support the residents of Enfield by attending the Citizenship ceremonies that took place most weeks. She was honoured to stand before the new citizens of Enfield. They stood proud to be part of our Borough and she was delighted to receive them. She also continued to attend local events and was humbled by the kindness shown to her from the residents of Enfield.
In January we remember all the victims of the Holocaust. The Mayor attended a ceremony at City Hall in remembrance, and Enfield would be holding a Holocaust Memorial event on Thursday 25th January at the Dugdale Arts Centre, for which councillors had all received an invitation to attend.
The Mayor requested members’ continued professional and orderly conduct during this meeting and reminded them that any members wishing to speak should stand unless they are not able to do so and should address the meeting through her and continue to treat each other courteously and with respect during political interactions.