Decision details

The Mayor announced that the Council had recently been awarded the Silver Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.  The Scheme recognised employer organisations that had pledged, demonstrated or advocated support to the defence and armed forces community, and had aligned their views with the Armed Forces Covenant.  The Mayor presented Councillor John Lloyd with Award.

The Mayor further announced that following a submission for accreditation the Council had received the White Ribbon Award.  White Ribbon UK was founded in 2005 to stop Male violence towards women, by working co-operatively tochange society by promoting a message of respect and tolerance, and leading by example.  Public sector organisations, large and small, could achieve so much more than individuals could alone.

It was noted that White Ribbon UK provided a comprehensive action plan for organisations to effectively marshal their resources and personnel to challenge male violence against women and make a genuine difference.  The action plan was concise and wide-ranging and offered achievable goals for organisations to reach.  Once an organisation was able to demonstrate a commitment to this plan, it became eligible for the White Ribbon Award.

The Mayor presented Sarah Pateman (Community Safety Manager) with the Award.

The Mayor informed the Council that since the last meeting the Mayoral Team had attended 80 engagements.  Highlights had included:

·           Various award presentations, exhibitions, craft fairs, dinners, afternoon teas, opening and starting events, and watching Stevenage FC win 3-2 against Milton Keyes Dons;

·           Judging the Garden House Hospice Fundraising Strictly Come Dancing event;

·           Film and theatres shows, including the ever popular Celebrate, instigated by the late Sherma Batson;

·           Starting the countdown at the Stevenage Fireworks display on 5 November and starting off the festive season with the Christmas Lights switch-on in the Town Centre;

·           Laying the wreath on Remembrance Sunday, especially in this centenary year;

·           Hosting an afternoon tea for all of the Pride of Stevenage Awards nominees, including the presentation of certificates; and

·           Various concerts, religious and carol services, including the one she had hosted on Sunday, 2 December.

The Mayor hoped that all those who had attended her Christmas social event on 17 December had enjoyed themselves, and on that note wished everyone a very Happy Christmas and 2019.