Agenda item

The Worshipful the Mayor paid tribute to the sad passing of former Council Leader and Mayor of Barnet, Brian Salinger in December 2023.  Many Members had known Brian and worked with him in some capacity, as he served the borough of Barnet for more than 30 years.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council that in 2005, Brian was elected Leader of the Council and during this time he oversaw housing regeneration schemes on the borough’s four largest estates, and the Primary Schools Investment Programme which led to a number of primary schools being re-built.

He was first elected a Conservative councillor in 1986, representing Friern Barnet Ward and, after boundary changes, Oakleigh Ward. Prior to becoming Leader, he had also been the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Health.

Brian retired at the end of his mayoral year 2017-2018 as the 53^rd Mayor of Barnet.

The Worshipful the Mayor then invited tributes from Councillors Richard Cornelius, Ross Houston, Mark Shooter, Ella Rose, Jennifer Grocock and Alison Moore.

The Worshipful the Mayor then asked the Council to stand for a minute’s silence to honour Brian Salinger.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed Council that she had written to the following to congratulate them on their recognition in the King’s New Years Honours:

Sir Gerald Maurice Ronson CBE who received the honour of Knights Bachelor;

Antony Kenneth Blackburn (DJ and Broadcaster Tony Blackburn) received an OBE for services to Broadcasting and to Charity;

Martin Henry Charles Russell DL who received an MBE for services to the community in the London Borough of Barnet;

Aryeh Leaman who received an MBE for services to young people and to the community in Hendon;

Barry Flack who received a British Empire Medal for services to the Jewish community in Mill Hill; and

Dr Michael John Worms who received a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Mill Hill.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted that although not a resident of Barnet it should be noted Justin Cohen, News Editor of the Jewish News, son ofthe late former Mayor and Councillor Melvin Cohen, had received an MBE for services to Holocaust Remembrance and to the Jewish Community.

The Worshipful the Mayor also informed Council of the extremely sad news of the death of our friend and colleague, Deacon Anthony Clarke who was a founder member of Barnet Multi Faith Forum and was always courageous and fearless in speaking out against prejudice and discrimination.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted that the very successful and well attended Holocaust Memorial Event took place on Sunday 28^th January 2024 at Middlesex University and expressed her thanks to everyone involved in organising this important event for the Council. She noted that speakers included the Chairman of the Holocaust Educational Trust as well as the Rwanda High Commissioner and heard stories from students who had visited Auschwitz.

The Worshipful the Mayor expressed her pride in announcing that, following their Gold Award at the regional round of the National Concert Band Festival in November 2023, the London Youth Concert Band have been invited to attend the national round later this year. London Youth Concert Band, based in North Finchley, has become the Borough’s flagship youth music group.

Finally, the Worshipful the Mayor informed Council of the opening of the new Brent Cross West station that took place in early December last year. The opening is part of the biggest redevelopment and growth programme Barnet Council has ever undertaken and one of the most ambitious in Europe and congratulated everyone involved in making it a success.