Issue - meetings

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

The Mayor congratulated and welcomed Councillor Dermot Kehoe who had been elected in the Bedwell Ward at the recent By-Election.  Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the Council welcomed Dermot and congratulated him on his successful campaign.  Councillor Stephen Booth, Leader of the Opposition also welcomed Dermot on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.  Councillor Kehoe thanked all who had helped in his campaign and the residents of Bedwell for voting for him. Councillor Kehoe advised that he looked forward to working with everyone in his new role.

The Mayor then referred to a number of events she had attended since May which included:

·         Stevenage Day with its STEM and Life Sciences theme;

·         Events as part of the Stevenage Festival including inclusive concerts, a production of Shrek, a dance extravaganza and the Stevenage Singers Concert;

·         Town Twinning Programme visit to Ingelheim;

·         Hertfordshire School Games;

·         Plaque unveiling at the Town Centre Gardens celebrating the work of the Green Space Volunteers.

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

The Mayor spoke of the recent sad death of former Councillor, Alderman David Cullen.  David had been a Stevenage Borough Councillor for over 36 years and an Alderman for the past 3 years.  The Mayor said that David would be remembered for his contribution to the Council and the Town, particularly in his role as Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  David’s funeral service would be held at St Hilda’s Church on Wednesday 5 February followed by refreshments at The Poacher Pub on Bedwell Crescent.

The Leader of the Council spoke of David’s outstanding contributions to Stevenage which had resulted in the title of Honorary Alderman being awarded in 2021.  He remembered Davids political passion and knowledge of political history.

Councillor Stephen Booth, Leader of the Opposition and the Lib Dem Group recalled David as a formidable opponent with a fine record for the Council.

Councillor Phil Bibby advised that David was also highly thought of by the County Council and sent condolences to his family.

Councillor Simon Speller said that David was a sharp, intelligent councillor but approachable and easy to work with particularly in his role as Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, as well as a passionate follower of Stevenage Borough Football Club.

A number of other Members spoke in tribute to Alderman Cullen following which the Council stood to observe a minute’s silence.

The Mayor then referred to a list of events he had supported since the last Council meeting on 18 December which had been circulated at the meeting.  He gave particular thanks to Hilary Spiers at the Arts Guild who was helping to organise a number of his upcoming events.

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

The Mayor referred to a list of seventy events he had supported since May which had been circulated at the meeting and gave a report on a number of highlights including:

·         The 8^th birthday of Stevenage Parkrun at Fairlands Valley Park;

·         The NHS Charity Rainbow Run and Wollenwick’s Colour Run;

·         Stevenage Day;

·         Town Twinning Visit;

·         Two visits with the Air Ambulance charity;

·         Presentations at Marriotts School;

·         Covid Cobra 4^th anniversary;

The Mayor also reminded Members of the Stevenage Rotary Club charity quiz on 7 September, a garden party on 29 September and the Together Awards on 26 October 2024.