To consider any announcements by the Mayor in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3(2)(ii).
Minutes:
The Mayor issued her congratulations to:-
Councillors Singleton and Collingham on their recent wedding wishing them well on their lives together.
Those who were recognised in the New Year Honours list for their achievements and service across the country, but in particular the following:-
· Kim Phillips awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for public services, following her exemplary efforts to support communities around Rotherham. Working for RMBC, Kim’s contribution to the Council had been invaluable. As well as helping to shape the Council’s approach to catering and facilities management, and representing her peers at a national level, Kim had been instrumental in helping RMBC to support the Covid response and in championing our work with children and young people.
· Gavin Walker from Wickersley awarded an MBE in recognition of his outstanding services to sports and for inspiring others facing adversity through life-changing events. He co-captained the GB wheelchair rugby squad, who won gold in the Tokyo Olympics last year.
· Barry Horne, Chief Executive of Activity Alliance, awarded an MBE for services to inclusivity in sport. He helped to transform the organisation into a national charity and was a leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity, changing attitudes and embedding inclusive practices across the country.
· Ken Dunn, Chair of Africa’s Gift Ltd., awarded an MBE for his services to development and local communities in Lesotho and sub-Saharan Africa
The Mayor also welcomed the opportunity to report on a number of engagements:-
· Performances at the Civic Theatre, the Annual Dinner and Presentation at the Phoenix Golf Club Pavilion and the Rotherham Chamber Celebration Event held at Magna.
· Participation in the Rotherham College graduation ceremony at New York Stadium.
· Crossroads Care Annual General meeting at Sitwell Park Golf Club – Crossroads are an outstanding organisation who provide care for vulnerable people across Rotherham.
· Visits to the Rotherham Cancer Care Christmas Fare at St Cuthbert’s Church, Rotherham Interfaith Tea Party at the Unity Centre and welcome the Master and Mistress Cutler briefly to the Town Hall.
During November:-
· The opening of the Social Supermarket on Corporation Street.
· Awareness raising for Prostate and Lung Cancer with the Voluntary Action Rotherham’s Health Engagement Team.
· The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, at which the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire presented the award for International Trade for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales to SJM Alloys and Metals Limited
· Commemorated Armistice Day by paying respects to those in the armed forces, both past and present, at events in All Saints Square and Clifton Park, visited the beautiful Poppy Cascade at the Rotherham indoor market and sold poppies at a local supermarket.
· Switched the Christmas lights on.
During December:-
· Santa’s Christmas Reindeer event at the Dinnington Resource Centre.
· Start-a-Heart Christmas Market at Woodlaithes Village.
· A Gothic Christmas Ball and dinner at Swinton Masonic Hall.
· The Maltby Miners Welfare band Christmas concert in the Civic Theatre – the performance was absolutely fantastic.
Other engagements included:-
· The official launch of the New Life Enterprise at Whiston Parish Hall. This organisation supports individuals with learning disabilities, specifically from BAME communities, enabling members to live fulfilling and active lives within the community.
· The occasion of the Freedom of the Borough ceremony which took place on the 14th December in honour of Dame Julie Kenny receiving her award of Freewoman of the Borough. Dame Julie was the first woman in Rotherham in 50 years to receive this honour and it was a delight to be part of the celebration to recognise her achievements and the location in which it took place was stunning.
· Engagements were undertaken whilst wearing the official Council Christmas face masks to keep us and everyone attending safe.