[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]
Minutes:
1. Sir David Amess MP
The Mayor extended the deepest sympathies of the Council to the widow of Sir David Amess MP, who was murdered whilst undertaking his public duty. He reported that he had written a letter to Lady Julia on behalf of the city.
The Council stood in silent tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP.
2. COVID-19 Update
The Mayor reported that there were over 850 positive cases reported in the City in the week prior to the meeting. He encouraged eligible people to book both their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine.
3. Black History Month
The Mayor reported that City of Wolverhampton Council had hosted an active Black History Month during October. He reported that this year’s theme had been ‘Proud to Be’, and that events had celebrated identity and culture. He listed some examples of events that had taken place during the month.
He noted that it had been an active and educational month and thanked all those involved.
4. Green Flag Awards
The Mayor was delighted to report that a fifth Wolverhampton park had been awarded Green Flag status by an environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. He noted that Phoenix Park in Blakenhall now joined West Park, East Park, Bantock Park and Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve on the prestigious list.
5. Kickstart Scheme
The Mayor reported that the Wolves at Work was encouraging young people and city employers to get involved in the Kickstart scheme after it was extended until March 2022.
He noted that the scheme was open to 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment, and offered a 6-month job placement to gain valuable work experience.
The Mayor encouraged all Councillors to familiarise themselves with the scheme.
6. Wolves Online – Closing the Digital Divide
The Mayor reported that Wolves Online had distributed over 550 devices to city residents to help develop their digital skills to access learning, employment, and essential services.
The Mayor offered his congratulations to all those involved in this important scheme.
7. Queens Awards for Voluntary Services Award Ceremony
The Mayor reported that he had attended the awards ceremony for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service on Sunday 17 October 2021.
He was pleased to report that awards had been presented to the following groups:
· Big Local Venture Centre
· Friends of Bantock House, Museum and Park
· The Well Foodbank
· TLC College
· Wednesfield in Bloom
The Mayor offered thanks on behalf of the City to all the volunteers for the hard work in making a difference in people’s lives.
8. St John Ambulance – District Manager’s Commendation for Exceptional Service
The Mayor reported that he had attended the annual awards ceremony of the Staffordshire and Wolverhampton Branch of St. John Ambulance on Sunday 24 October. He was pleased to report that he had received a District Managers Commendation for Exceptional Service on behalf of the City Council, in recognition of the assistance provided by the Council during the pandemic.
The Mayor offered congratulations to all those involved in winning the prestigious award.
9. Diwali Celebrations
The Mayor reported that he had attended a funfair and fireworks display at Phoenix Park on Sunday 23 October to celebrate Diwali. The Mayor was delighted to see families and communities come together to mark this festival.
The Mayor wished all Sikh members a happy Bandi Chhor Divas.
10. Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts – 13 to 21 November 2021
The Mayor reported that the Grand Slam of Darts would return to Aldersley Leisure Village from Saturday 13 November. He noted that hosting this major sporting tournament would put Wolverhampton in the international spotlight once again.
11. UNESCO Learning Cities
The Mayor reported that he had attended the UNESCO Fifth International Conference on Learning Cities – Plenary Session II, entitled “Resilient Cities: Strengthening Communities and Local Learning Systems” on Thursday 28 October.
The Mayor reported that he had given a presentation on the City and faced a question-and-answer session. He noted that this had raised the profile of Wolverhampton and its learning opportunities to a global audience.
12. Fireworks Night
The Mayor reported that Wolverhampton Racecourse would once again host Fireworks Night festivities on Saturday 6 November 2021.
The Mayor reported that he would be attending and expressed hope that he would see as many people as possible there.
13. Councillor Christopher Burden
The Mayor offered his congratulations to Councillor Christopher Burden for being nominated for Young Councillor at the Year for the LGIU Awards.