Meeting Calendar

• December 2009
• November 2009
• October 2009
• July 2009
• June 2009
• May 2009 MSC
• May 2009
• April 2009 ATM
• April 2009 APM
• April 2009
• March 2009
• January 2009
• November 2008
• October 2008
• August 2008
• June 2008
• May 2008 AGM
• April 2008
• March 2008
• January 2008
• December 2007
• November 2007
• October 2007
• August 2007
• June 2007
• May 2007
• April 2007 APM
• April 2007
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• January 2007
• November 2006
• October 2006
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• January 2006

BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Friday 15 May 2009 at 7.30pm

in the Charter Hall Town Hall High Street Bridgwater

 

Present:-     Councillor G.J. Granter (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair), Councillors M.D. Cresswell, D.L. Baker, A.S. Downes, D.P. Loveridge, W.J. Monteith, J.R. Munn, P.J. Parker, K.F. Richards, Mrs G.J. Slocombe, P. Smeed and J. Turner J.P.

 

Apologies:- Councillors Busby, Hall, Preece and Ms Raven

 

At the commencement of the meeting the Mayor announced that almost £3000.00 had been raised for charity and the money presented to the Committee of the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival which had been his chosen Charity for his year of office as Mayor.

 

He also presented a Medal, Certificate and Badge to Cadet Sally Mullins who had acted as Mayor's Cadet commending her upon the exemplary way in which she had carried out the duties. He thanked the Town Clerk and PA/Mayor's Secretary for their support and hard work throughout the year.   He also thanked the Mace-Bearer Mr Chris Hocking for his services during the year and his Chaplain Rev. Charles Chadwick.

 

The Mayor marked his term with the presentation of ties and pashminas to principal guests acknowledging the close working relationships which he and the Mayoress had enjoyed with the

Ex-Chairman of SDC Dennis Davey and his wife Janet and the President of BGFCC Doug Robson and his wife Pam.

 

1.   MINUTES:

RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on 16 May 2008 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

 

2.   ELECTION OF MAYOR OF BRIDGWATER for 2009/10:

Proposed by Councillor Bill Monteith

Seconded by Councillor Dave Loveridge

 

RESOLVED:   That Councillor Ken Richards be elected Mayor of Bridgwater for the period ending at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in the year 2010.

The Mayor of Bridgwater (Councillor Ken Richards) in the Chair

The Mayor announced that Mrs Margo Richards would be his Mayoress and that the Reverand Charles Chadwick would be his Chaplain.

The Mayor then took the oath of office and addressed the meeting during which he also announced that Sea Cadet Beau Bussell would be the Mayor's Cadet and the changeover of Cadet took place formally.

 

There followed a short prayer by Rev. Chadwick.

 

3.   ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR OF BRIDGWATER for 2009/10:

Proposed by Councillor Pat Parker

Seconded by Councillor John Turner

 

RESOLVED:   That Councillor Jim Munn be elected Deputy Mayor of Bridgwater for the period ending at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in the year 2010. 

 

4.   VOTE OF THANKS:

Proposed by Councillor Philip Smeed

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Gill Slocombe

 

RESOLVED:   That the best thanks of the Town Council be given to Councillor Graham Granter for the services which he has efficiently and zealously rendered to the Town of Bridgwater during his term of office as Mayor and the exceptional manner in which he has graced the office;   also to Mrs Kay Granter in her capacity as Mayoress.

 

Thanks and appreciation were also extended to the retiring Deputy Mayor (Councillor Ken Richards) for his contribution during his term of office.

 

The retiring Mayor duly thanked Members of the Town Council for their support during the year and acknowledged his gratitude at having been offered the opportunity and honour to be Mayor of the Town.   He remarked upon what an enjoyable experience it had been and the memories that he would hold.   He made particular mention of the help and support he had received from the Mayoress and the key part she had played in this successful year.  

 

He thanked all those who had helped in many different ways and at various events both formal and informal.   This had included some 300 engagements and he had been proud to host many organisations and individuals across the spectrum of the community.   In particular a point had been made of visiting local schools and welcoming visits to the Mayor's Parlour from many of them - this had been particularly memorable.

 

He had earlier spoken of how delighted he was that the Town Council had moved forward taking on additional responsibilities and through this playing an even more important part in the life of the town and its residents and visitors alike.   He had been proud of the Town especially the community spirit evident in all of the events, productions and activities for which it was renowned mentioning Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival in particular, his chosen charity for the year, and the hard working Committee, Carnival Clubs and helpers.   He referred to those activities in which he had taken a special interest including the museum, for which he thanked the Friends and volunteers and all who had assisted in the transfer; and the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour where he had been glad to build on the work of the previous Mayor developing the close relationship with the leadership of Inspector Crocker and the local Constabulary and Community Support Officers.  

 

5.   PRESENTATION OF EX-MAYOR'S BADGE AND EX-MAYORESS BADGE:

The Mayor presented an Ex-Mayor's Badge to Councillor Granter and the Ex-Mayoress Badge newly engraved to Kay Granter.

 

6.   MAYORAL ADDRESS:

The Mayor spoke briefly on his pleasure at being elected to the office for the fifth time as a man of the town.   He looked forward to an excellent year and to contributing to the civic pride evident among so many.    He was particularly keen to promote and work with the many organisations in the town to the benefit of all no matter what their sphere of activity and interest.

The Mayor made presentations of flowers in acknowledgment of the occasion.

 

7.   ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Town Clerk advised Members and ward members of a visit to Wembdon Road Cemetery following historical investigation and recording work on behalf of the Civic Society.   This would take place on Wednesday 27 May 2008 or alternative to be advised.

The meeting finished at 8.20pm. whereupon all present adjourned into the Town Hall for a Civic Reception to honour the newly elected Mayor and Mayoress.