[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]
Minutes:
1. Ron Flowers MBE
The Mayor was saddened to report the passing of Wolves and England football legend Ron Flowers, at the age of 87. Ron was part of Stan Cullis’s triple League Championship and 1960 FA Cup winning team. He also won 2 caps as an England Under 23 International, and 49 senior caps and took part in the 1966 World Cup.
The Mayor had the honour of representing the City Council at a Memorial Service held for Ron in St Peters Church and was able to pass on condolences to his widow Yvonne and family.
Council stood in silent tribute to the late Ron Flowers MBE.
2. Remembrance Events
The Mayor reported he attended several events of Remembrance over the weekend of 11th - 14th November. This included a small ceremony at the Cenotaph on the 11th, Armistice Day, the annual service at the site of the Dutch War Graves in Merridale Cemetery on the 13th. Finally, the Remembrance Sunday Services in the City Centre to pay our respects to the fallen of 2 World Wars and many other conflicts since.
3. Molineux Sleepout
The Mayor reported he took part in the Molineux Sleepout which aimed to raise funds and awareness to support the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton. He took part in this event, along with other employees from the Council and Councillor Simon Bennett to spend a Friday night sleeping out in the open air at Molineux Stadium. He added so far, more than £38,000 has been raised according to the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation who organised the event.
4. Civic Reception for Olympians, Paralympians, Special Olympians and Officials
The Mayor reported on Thursday 18th November, he hosted a reception to congratulate Wolverhampton’s competitors from the Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics and officials. He thanked the competitors for representing the City on the international stage so magnificently.
5. Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Mayor reported that Saturday 20th November marked International Transgender Day of Remembrance, to memorialise those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. He added a Ceremony was held at the flagpole in St Peters Square with readings, poetry and people talking of their experiences before the Transgender Pride flag was raised.
6. Orange Campaign
The Mayor reported that this year’s Orange Wolverhampton campaign was now running until 10th December, as the City says “NO” to interpersonal violence. The campaign was launched last Thursday with a flag-raising in St Peters Square, followed by a gathering in the City Suite.
7. Quiz Night in aid of the Mayoral Charity Trust
The Mayor reported he would be hosting a Quiz Night on Thursday 9th December, at 7pm in the City Suite. This was to raise money for his chosen charities. He added the Quizmaster for the night would be Dicky Dodd, and there were fantastic prizes to be won and encouraged all to enter.
8. Christmas Light Switch On
The Mayor was very delighted to host the City Centre Christmas Lights switch on, which was attended by 12,000 people. The Mayor’s favourite boy band from the ‘90s, East 17, topped the bill, along with other entertainers including Father Christmas and one of his reindeer. The Mayor also attended the lights switch-on across the City in Wednesfield, Bilston, Tettenhall and Bantock Park, all of which were well attended by the public.
9. Santa Run
The Mayor reported that this years Santa Run in aid of the Beacon Centre would take place in West Park on Sunday 5th December at 09:45am. He added all participants would be dressed as Santa and encouraged all to participate.
10.World Aid Days
The Mayor report that today was Word AID day which first started in 1988 to show solidarity with all people who were affected by HIV and to remember those who had died from this illness. The red ribbon was adopted as a global symbol to show support for those affected by HIV.
The Mayor reported the Jewish Festival of Light, Hanukkah, runs from this year from Sunday 28 November to the evening of Monday 6 December. The festival reminds Jews of a time over 2000 years ago when they won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. The Mayor wished Jews a Chag Chanukah Sameach.