Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber.
The Mayor on behalf of all councillors, expressed best wishes to King Charles III following the recent announcement of his cancer diagnosis. Also, as Cllr Gina Needs continues with her treatment, to also extend our best wishes to her during her recovery. As members knew, cancer is one of the themes of the Mayor’s charity this year and she hoped and prayed that a cure was found soon for this disease which affects so many.
The Mayor continued to support the residents of Enfield by attending the Citizenship ceremonies that take place most weeks. She was honoured to stand before the new citizens of Enfield. They stand proud to be part of our borough and she was delighted to receive them. The Mayor also continued to attend local events and was humbled by the kindness bestowed to her from the residents of Enfield.
The Mayor noted that LGBT+ History Month was formally celebrated across the UK in February to claim its past, celebrate its present and create its future. The Mayor sent her best wishes to all our Enfield residents during this time.
The Mayor this morning welcomed the High Commissioner of St Lucia to the Civic Centre to celebrate 45 years of their nation’s independence. It gave us time to reflect on the individuals who came to Britain on the Windrush and helped rebuild Britain to be great again after the war.
The Mayoral Gala had been booked for 25th April and the Mayor hoped all would join her to raise much needed funds for her chosen charities: cancer and autism, two very important themes. Raising funds for charities was becoming more and more difficult in the current economic climate and she hoped members could support her.
A sad announcement was made of the sad loss of former Councillor and Past Mayor, Christiana During. She was a dedicated public servant for Enfield for many years, being first elected in 2002 in Ponders End Ward, later Upper Edmonton from 2006-14 and Edmonton Green Ward from 2014 to 2018. She was Mayor of Enfield in 2011-12, being the first female black African Mayor of the borough. She served as a midwife with the NHS from 1962 and later became the Assistant Director of Nursing at North Middlesex Hospital.
Councillors were invited to say a few words in commemoration of the late Christiana During. Cllr Doug Taylor praised her humility, cheerfulness, warmth, and caring approach to residents and the issues they raised. Condolences were sent to her husband and family. Cllr Michael Rye concurred with Cllr Taylor’s comments, and that Members would support an initiative to mark her legacy in Enfield. Cllr Joanne Laban also remembered Christiana During’s positivity, compassion and care. Cllr Kate Anolue spoke of her long and close friendship with Christiana, a special person with whom she had done everything together. All Members were invited to attend the funeral service on 8th March and pay their respect.
The Mayor had also sadly been informed this week of the passing of former Councillor and Past Mayor Doreen Mardon. Doreen was first elected in 1982 in Huxley Ward and re-elected again in 1990 and 1994 in Raglan Ward. Doreen was inaugurated as Mayor of Enfield in 1992-93.
Members were invited to say a few words. Cllr Michael Rye spoke of Doreen Mardon’s active and generous character, and sent his good wishes to her husband and family. Cllr George Savva recalled enjoying working together with Doreen Mardon for the good of the local community.
The Mayor sent condolences to both families at this very sad time, and Members and all attendees held a minute’s silence.