Chairman's Communications
21 February 2008
Members, I wish to keep my communications to a minimum as we have a busy schedule ahead of us, but firstly, I would like to welcome the Honorary Aldermen who are attending today and to update you on the health of Councillors Allgood and West (latest information to be included on the 21 Feb).
Royal Visits
There have been 6 royal visits to Hampshire which I have attended since our last County Council Meeting in September.
_ 8th November - National Oceanography Centre in Southampton by HRH The Duke of Kent.
_ 14th November - Presentation of the Queen's Award for International Trade and the Queen's Award for Sustainable Development to Fibercore Ltd, Chilworth, Southampton in the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent.
_ 10th December - The naming ceremony of Cunard's new liner, RMS Victoria by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.
_ 22nd January - Visit of HRH The Earl of Wessex to De La Rue Currency, Overton, Basingstoke.
_ and, of course, the Leader and I were present this morning at the official opening of Winchester Discovery Centre by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
Hosted Events
Since last September I have hosted 8 functions, including a couple of dinners, but perhaps the most notable were a working lunch for Hampshire Community Volunteers and a coffee morning for representatives of Age Concern - both held at Serle's House I have had excellent feedback from all the organisations involved saying how useful it was to be able to network with each other and with our own Officers and Executive Members.
Engagements
Of the many varied and interesting engagements I have attended, I will just mention a few:-
_ Visit to Hampshire Museums Service HQ at Chilcomb and a very interesting trip to Bursledon Windmill.
_ A number of County Council Residential Care Homes.
_ The Service in Winchester Cathedral to celebrate HM The Queen's Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
_ The recent troop's homecoming march through Winchester and reception afterwards in the Great Hall - this was an excellent way to spend my birthday!
_ Naomi House to present a cheque from donations received at the annual Staff Carol Concert. I was very moved by this visit and the experience has left me with many thoughts and feelings about the work performed by this children's' hospice and how much it costs to run. They have organised a fundraising walk on the 8th June from Winchester Cathedral along the Clarendon Way. If you are interested in taking part in this, or know of anyone who may be, I have left registration leaflets for you to collect as you leave the Council Chamber.
The Vice Chairman has also been busy deputising for me at a number of functions.
Dates for your diary
28th February - Reception in the Great Hall for the Royal British Legion volunteers. Although the cut off date for replies was the 15th February, my office is still awaiting to hear from a number of you!
You should have received your invitations to The Annual Chairman's Concert at the Anvil on the 5th March starting at 7.00pm.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at both these events.
Death of former County Councillor Malcolm (Mick) Jones
It was with sadness that I learned of the death of former County Councillor Mick Jones in January. A letter of condolence was sent from my office to his daughter and donations, as requested by his family, for the Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Oakhaven Hospice were sent, on behalf of the County Council, to the funeral directors.
Members, may I ask you to stand for a minute's silence.