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Minutes May 2008 AGM
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Friday 16 May 2008 at 7.30pm
in the Sedgemoor Room Bridgwater House King Square Bridgwater
Present:- Councillor P. Smeed (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair)
Councillors D. Busby, M.D. Cresswell, A.S. Downes,
J.G. Granter, W.J. Monteith, D.P. Loveridge, J.R. Munn,
K.F. Richards, Mrs G.J. Slocombe, P. Smeed and J. Turner J.P.
Apologies:- Councillors Baker and Preece
At the commencement of the meeting the Mayor announced that over £2000.00 had been raised and the money presented to the Air Ambulance and the Arts Centre which had been his chosen Charities for his year of office as Mayor.
He also presented a Medal and Certificate to Cadet Sergeant Christopher Davis who had acted as Mayor's Cadet commending him upon the exemplary way in which he had carried out the duties. He made a presentation to the Town Clerk and offered a gift for Andy Slocombe who had been his Photographer throughout the year. He also thanked the Mace-Bearer Mr Chris Hocking who had taken the honorary post during the year.
The Mayor marked his term with the presentation of a gavel hammer set to the Town Council and ties and pashminas to principal guests.
1. MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on 11 May 2007 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.
2. ELECTION OF MAYOR OF BRIDGWATER for 2008/9:
Proposed by Councillor Pat Parker
Seconded by Councillor David Busby
RESOLVED: That Councillor Graham Granter be elected Mayor of Bridgwater for the period ending at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in the year 2009.
The Mayor of Bridgwater (Councillor Graham Granter) in the Chair
The Mayor announced that Mrs Kay Granter 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 Cadet Sally Mullins 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 2008/9:
Proposed by Councillor Bill Monteith
Seconded by Councillor Adrian Downes
RESOLVED: That Councillor Ken Richards be elected Deputy Mayor of Bridgwater for the period ending at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in the year 2009.
4. VOTE OF THANKS:
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Gill Slocombe
Seconded by Councillor David Busby
RESOLVED: That the best thanks of the Town Council be given to Councillor Philip Smeed for the services which he has efficiently and zealously rendered to the Town of Bridgwater during his term of office as Mayor; also to Mrs Ute Smeed in her capacity as Mayoress.
Thanks and appreciation were also extended to the retiring Deputy Mayor
(Councillor Graham Granter) 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.
He gave a brief resume of the year thanking Pat Morley and Charlie Dearden of the Arts Centre for their help in many ways and at various events and the contribution of many others. This had included some 275 engagements and he had been proud to host many voluntary groups across the spectrum of the community, had visited all four twin towns as Mayor or Deputy and appreciated the prowess in the town both sporting and cultural and other successes.
5. PRESENTATION OF EX-MAYOR'S BADGE AND EX-MAYORESS BADGE:
The Mayor presented an Ex-Mayor's Badge to Councillor Smeed and the Ex-Mayoress Badge newly engraved to Ute Smeed.
6. MAYORAL ADDRESS:
The Mayor spoke briefly on the work of the Town Council and looked forward with optimism to continuing progress on behalf of the people of Bridgwater. He stated how proud he was of the Town and especially the community spirit evident in all of the events, productions and activities for which it was renown mentioning Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival in particular which would be his chosen charity for the year and the hard working Committee, Carnival Clubs and helpers. He referred to those activities in which he would take a special interest including law and order where he would build on the work of the previous Mayor and had already met with Inspector Crocker to develop the relationship with the Town Council and the Constabulary and Support Officers. Civic pride was also essential to harmony and the diverse population and economy of the town. He was particularly keen to promote green spaces and sporting facilites for all and to work with the many organisations in the town to benefit all.
The Mayor made presentations of flowers in acknowledgment of the occasion.
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS - CALENDAR of MEETINGS:
Copies of the provisional calendar of meetings for 2008/9 were circulated and accepted.
The meeting finished at 8.35pm. whereupon all present adjourned to the Town Hall for a Civic Reception to honour the newly elected Mayor and Mayoress.