Agenda item

The Worshipful the Mayor advised Council that he had written to the district Mayors of Paris, the Mayor of Chaville and the Mayor of Le Raincy, to convey the sympathies of our Council. He read out the letter sent to them:

“Dear Monsieur Le Maire

On behalf of the residents of the London Borough of Barnet I extend our sincere sympathies, thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the recent atrocities that have had such a devastating impact on families and communities across Paris, France and indeed the world.

We have flown the French flag from our town hall at half-mast.

I wish you strength in the coming weeks as you contend with the emotions and practicalities of such a tragedy and should you feel there is anything I may be able to assist you with please so not hesitate to ask

The Worshipful the Mayor

Councillor Mark Shooter”

The Worshipful the Mayor noted he had a few announcements on notable local resident successes and achievements:

Recently the Deputy Mayor Cllr Alison Cornelius attended an awards ceremony for the Young People of the Year (YOPEY) Awards where Temi Mwali received a prize for Joint Senior YOPEY winner. Temi grew up in Barnet’s Grahame Park Estate and has been an advocate and spokesperson for tackling gang related crime for some years, including setting up the organisation Get Outta the Gang in 2012 which has led to her winning several awards and commendations.

He noted that the Barnet Refugee Service has recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary and extended congratulations to the Service.

It was noted that The Worshipful the Mayor had last night attended a civic dinner in honour of the Mayor of Mourphu, the Council’s twinned city in Cyprus.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted he would like to acknowledge that this was the last Barnet Council meeting for the Strategic Director of Commissioning Kate Kennally, who was moving on to take up the position of Chief Executive of Cornwall Council. Council thanked Kate Kennally for her contribution to the Council’s leadership over the last 10 years.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted that nominations for the 2016 Barnet Civic Awards were currently being sought, with nominations open until 31 December.  The Worshipful the Mayor invited every ward Councillor to think of one or two people in their ward that had done something notable deserving of recognition by the Council. He noted that details of how to apply were on the Council’s website.

The Worshipful the Mayor extended his congratulations to the incoming Labour Leader, Councillor Rawlings, and acknowledged and thanked Councillor Alison Moore for her 10 years of leadership of the Labour Group. He noted that members wished to say a few words in respect of Councillor Moore’s leadership, and time had been allowed for this under the next agenda item.

Lastly, the Worshipful the Mayor noted that it was with sadness he had to announce that former Deputy Lieutenant Laurie Baines had passed away at the weekend.  Mr Baines was the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet servicing the borough between 1983 and 1995.  It was noted that Council’s condolences were with his family at this sad time.  He invited Councillor Richard Cornelius and Councillor Brian Salinger to say a few words.

Councillor Richard Cornelius and Councillor Brian Salinger spoke to pay tribute to the late Deputy Lieutenant Laurie Baines.