Issue - meetings

To receive any announcements or introductions from the Chairman.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

A - Former Councillors Graham Curtis and Frank Bowers

The Chairman reported that former Canford Heath Councillor Graham Curtis had recently died. He was a Poole Councillor for 24 years from 1987-2011 and Mayor of Poole 1998-1999. The Chairman called on Councillor Sandra Moore who paid tributed to Councillor Curtis.

The Chairman also informed Councillors that Former Borough of Poole Councillor Frank Bowers had passed away recently.  The Chairman explained that he was a Councillor during the 1980s and he would like to include him and Councillor Curtis in the Council’s respectful recognition of their service and memory.

The Chairman called for a period of respectful silence following the sad passing of former Councillors Curtis and Bowers and Members were upstanding.

C – Civic Activities

The Chairman took theopportunity to refer to some of the engagements that he had attended since the last Council meeting as detailed below:

·       Along with the Mayor of Bournemouth, he attended the Anglo European College of Chiropractic (University College) Graduation Ceremony.

·       Again, along with the Mayor of Bournemouth, he attended the introduction of the revived Palace Court Theatre, hosted by the new owner/operators Arts University Bournemouth.

·       He was honoured and privileged to read a Lesson at each of the Christmas Carol Services at The Priory Church, Christchurch, and St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth.

·       He visited the Bournemouth Food Bank in Haviland Road and this visit received good coverage in the local Press where the Chairman wanted to emphasise the Council’s thanks and admiration for those who work and volunteer for this vital community service which was especially appreciated at this time of year.

• He attended the Christmas Carols on the Green in Kinson, organised by St Andrew’s Church Choir.

To receive any announcements or introductions from the Chairman.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

A - Sir John Butterfill

The Chairman reported with sadness on the death of Sir John Butterfill MP. He explained that Sir John had passed away peacefully early on Sunday and he had been ill for some time. The Chairman reported that as many long-standing Members would know, Sir John had served as a Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West from 1983 until his retirement in 2010. He was elected to Parliament for Bournemouth West six times and in Parliament had the distinction as a Back Bench MP of introducing many Acts of Parliament.

Members stood to observe a minute’s silence in his memory.

B - Councillor Colin Bungey

The Chairman referred to the recent Memorial Ceremony for Councillor Colin Bungey at The Priory Church. He was first elected to Jumpers Ward in Christchurch in May 1983 and his widow Sue was the current Mayor of Christchurch. Hundreds heard the eulogies and praise for ‘a man of decency, integrity, honesty and selflessness’ over the years he served as a ‘non-Party’ Councillor.

C – Civic Activities

The Chairman referred to some of the engagements he had attended since the last Council meeting as detailed below:

·       Dorset Scouts Awards ceremony with the Mayor of Bournemouth in Blandford.

·       BCHA At Your Service Launch for training people for the hospitality and catering industry.

·       Christchurch Town Council rededication service at Christchurch Priory and the launch of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar at the Kings Arms Christchurch which has seen Christchurch Rotary and BCP Events team working together.

·       Visited Bournemouth University with special focus on the new and impressive Poole Gateway Building.

·       Opening of New Halls at Arts University Bournemouth.

·       Spoke at the launch of the Citizens Advice outreach vehicle.

·       the High Sheriff of Dorset’s Law Service in Dorchester. He explained that he continued to be honoured to be working on the High Sheriff’s Working Group on his Harmony in Dorset project. (On that occasion he had accompanied the Mayor of Poole).

·       Attended with the Mayor of Bournemouth the launch of the Bournemouth Arts Festival by the Sea.

To receive any announcements or introductions from the Chairman.

The Chairman reported that he had the honour of attending and presiding over various Civic events in all three towns of the conurbation that comprised the BCP Council’s jurisdiction. He recorded the recognition by BCP Council of the passing of Mrs Elizabeth Bath who was made a Freeman of the Town of Christchurch in 2008. The Chairman reported that it was his understanding that the Service for her, held at Christchurch Priory, was attended by over 500 people.

The Chairman reported on the engagements he has attended since the last Council meeting.