[To receive the Mayor’s announcements]

1.   The Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Mayor was delighted to report that three people were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.  Deputy Chief Officer Michael Rogers was awarded an MBE for Remarkable contribution to the Volunteer Police Force, West Midlands Police Special Constabulary.  Dr Opinderjit Takhar was awarded an MBE for her Services to Higher Education and Mrs Jill Parker was awarded the MBE for her Services to the Magistracy & Community of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire.

The Mayor had written to Michael, Opinderjit and Jill on behalf of the City Council to extend the Council’s sincere congratulations.

2.   Star Awards

The Mayor reported that approximately 500 employees and partners of the Council attended this year’s employee Star Awards at the Grand Theatre on Monday 18 June. The Star Awards were about recognising employees’ success and achievements and rewarding those who go the ‘extra mile’ to serve the City of Wolverhampton. The Mayor congratulated all the award winners, as well as those nominated.

3.   Armed Forces Day

The Mayor reported that the City of Wolverhampton marked Armed Forces Week with an action-packed programme for both the day itself and during the lead up to it. The celebrations began with a flag raising ceremony at the flag pole on the piazza.

The Mayor added that the Armed Forces Day Celebration event ended with a parade (led by the Band of the Mercian Regiment) and a flag lowering ceremony. As a City, the Council had a special relationship with our armed forces. Armed Forces Day gave the Council an opportunity to celebrate all that the forces do to defend the nation at home and abroad.

4.   Food Festival

The Mayor reported that the City of Wolverhampton’s Festival of Food and Drink, was held on 7 and 8 July and saw record attendance over the two days. More than 25,000 people enjoyed the festival in the heart of the city centre. It was estimated the economic benefit to the City over the weekend was around £420,000.

5.    Memorial Programme

The Mayor reported that on Tuesday 10 July, the Leader opened the Memorial Programme.  This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide and to commemorate this anniversary, the City of Wolverhampton Council held a flag raising vigil with readings and reflections.

6.   Opening of new city centre market

The Mayor reported that the City Council relocated the market from its current Market Square base, to Southside. Where it boasts 20 cabins and 48 stalls, fronting Cleveland Street.  The Mayor was looking forward to attending the opening event on Saturday 21 July.

7.   First WV Living show home

The Mayor reported the first WV Living show home would open on the 19 July 2018 at Danesmore Pastures. A number of customers had already reserved houses on the site. WV Living was the Council’s own housing company, and its first phase would deliver more than 1,000 new homes across a number of sites over the next four years.

8.   VJ Day 2018

The Mayor informed Councillors that the Central Branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion and the Ex-Service Council would hold a service of remembrance on Wednesday 15 August, at the Cenotaph, St Peter's Square, commencing at 11:30am.