Agenda item

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the Civic Awards ceremony that took place in the Chamber on 25 April. The three categories recognised were: Lifetime Achievement Award; Outstanding Service to the Community; and Barnet Young Citizen of the Year. Pictures of the very worthy winners could be found on the website.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the BarNET ZERO Awards that took place which was further national recognition for the council’s BarNET ZERO sustainability work, with our pilot study of the Net Zero Estates Tool shortlisted for the Innovation of the Year – Product or Service category in the Unlock Net Zero Awards. This news comes following the recent shortlist for the Sustainable City Awards Public Sector Campaign of the Year for our BarNET ZERO campaign, centred around becoming a net zero council by 2030 and borough by 2042.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the Mayor’ Multi-Faith Civic Service, held on Sunday 14 May marking the Coronation and celebrating Barnet’s diverse communities. The service was held at Middlesex University with representation from many faiths and were entertained by wonderful choirs and dancing.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the upcoming Armed Forces Day parade to be held on Saturday 24 June and flag raising which will be held at the RAF Museum at 10am.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the sad death of former Councillor John Davies who lived in and represented East Finchley, between 1982 and 1994, serving as the Leader of the Labour Group.

The Worshipful the Mayor also announced the sad death of former Mayoress Mrs Mary Elizabeth Goodman who served as Mayoress to the late Mayor and former Councillor Don Goodman in 1988 – 1989. Mary passed aged 91.

Worshipful the Mayor then asked the Council to stand for a minute’s silence.

The Worshipful the Mayor wrote to His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023 on behalf of the borough to congratulate them on their coronation. The letter read:

‘On behalf of the Council and Citizens of the London Borough of Barnet, it gives me great pleasure to send to Your Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla ‘Loyal Greetings’ and congratulations on the most happiest occasion of your Coronation.

We would like to express our gratitude to you both for your continued dedication and selfless contributions to the life of our Borough, our Nation and the Commonwealth.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Ma’am, Your Majesties’ humble and obedient servant,’

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the Coronation Celebrations took place in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III at Golders Hill Park on 8 May where the event was very well attended by members of the public, councillors and guests. The Mayor expressed her thanks to all those who made the event a success.

The Worshipful the Mayor asked Council to join her in making the following statements:

“Council believes that:

1.    The Monarchy is a much-loved institution, in Barnet and the United Kingdom

2.    The Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III was a happy and glorious event, for which the people of Barnet came to together to celebrate.

Council notes that:

1.    The Mayor of Barnet wrote to the Palace to send congratulations to their Majesties ahead of the coronation, on behalf of the Council, Councillors and citizens of Barnet

2.    Many councillors, council staff, community organisations and individuals assisted the organisation coronation events

Council resolves to:

1.    Thank those who organised coronation events in Barnet

2.    Thank King Charles for his leadership as Prince of Wales, most notably:

• His environmental advocacy.

• His cross-faith work, including asking representatives of the Jewish faith to attend the coronation with the ability to fully observe Shabbat, and recognising Islam as a religion of peace, which promotes values of tolerance and respect.

• His humanitarian work, including attesting for the need to show humanity to refugees.

• His work on poverty and opportunity, including his work championing the Prince’s Trust which supports young people between 11-30 get into education, employment or training.

3.     Commit the Council’s support for His Majesty, King Charles III and to his heirs and successors according to law.”

RESOLVED that Council agree the statement.