[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]
Minutes:
The Late Honorary Alderman George Howells
The Mayor announced that it was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mr George Howells on Saturday 25 June. George was elected to the County Borough Council in 1969. He represented East Park Ward from 1973 until 1998. He also served twice as Mayor, the first time in 1985/6 and again in 1995/6. Together with the Mayoress he attended George’s funeral service on Friday 15 July at Bushbury Crematorium. He extended the Council’s deepest sympathies to George’s family at this very sad time.
Jo Cox MP
The Mayor referred in sympathetic terms to the death of Jo Cox MP who was attacked in her constituency in West Yorkshire on 16 June.
Terror Attacks
The Mayor reported that he was also sad to announce the loss of more lives since the Council last met as a result of terror attacks around the world, this time in Istanbul, Orlando and Nice. He had sent a letter to his counterparts in the respective Countries conveying the Council’s condolences.
Hate Crime
The Mayor added that there had also been a shocking attack on police officers in Dallas, where five officers were shot dead at a protest.
He was sure that everyone at the meeting would join him in condemning these atrocities which resulted in the death of so many people.
The meeting then stood in silent tribute of Honorary Alderman George Howells, Jo Cox MP and in remembering all the victims of the recent terror attacks and hate crime.
Hope Not Hate
On a more positive note, the Mayor stated that Wolverhampton was proud to be a city that respected and valued diversity. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes had no place in the city, region or country.
The City of Wolverhampton, condemn all forms of racism, xenophobia and all hate crimes unequivocally and stand firmly against those who wish to divide us. The City Council is working to ensure that statutory organisations and local communities are aware that they have our active support so that together we can prevent and tackle racism, xenophobia and hate crime wherever we find it.
The Council condemns any attack on our community and Wolverhampton Police have assured us that they are being extra vigilant in monitoring hate crimes. The Mayor requested that all residents pull together and support the city.
The Queen’s Birthday Honours
The Mayor reported that the following people with connections to the city had received awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June:
· Steve Morgan, Chairman of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club who was awarded a CBE for philanthropic services though the Morgan Foundation; and
· Adrian Bowater, whowas awarded an MBE for services to Education.
The Mayor also said that he was delighted that the efforts of these two individuals, who have contributed so much to Wolverhampton over a great many years, had been recognised in this way.
On behalf of the residents of Wolverhampton, the Mayor added his congratulations to the many they would have already received on these awards, and he hoped that their efforts would inspire others.
VJ Day
The Mayor announced that the Central Branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion would hold a service of remembrance at the Cenotaph, St Peter's Square, on 15 August starting at 11:30am. He hoped that as many Councillors as possible would be able to attend this important event.
Civic Events
The Mayor thanked all those who were able to attend the following important occasions in the civic calendar:
· Civic Sunday and Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday on 12 June 2016.
· Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony on 20 June 2016.
· Armed Forces Day parade on 25 June 2016.