Issue - meetings

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Engagements

The Vice-Chairman reported on the engagements undertaken following the very sad news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.  The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Leader of the Council and the Deputy Lieutenant Mary Montagu-Scott, attended Appletree Court on Friday 9 September, to lay floral tributes and sign the book of condolence. 

He thanked Members, Officers, special guests and members of the public for their attendance at the historic Proclamation of the Accession of his Majesty The King Charles III, read by the Chairman of the Council.  In particular, special thanks were given to the New Forest Brass Band for leading attendees with the national anthem.

On Monday 12 September, the Council held a special meeting and the Vice-Chairman highlighted the moving tributes and personal reflections by Members of the UK’s longest reigning monarch.

Following the Council meeting, the Chairman, accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant Hallam Mills, visited the Council’s Extra Care Blocks in Totton, Lymington and New Milton, to share residents’ stories of Her Majesty and offer the opportunity to sign the book of condolence, for those residents who may not have been able to make it to a Council office.

The Chairman also attended a service of commemoration to give thanks for the life of Her Majesty at Winchester Cathedral, attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

The Vice-Chairman highlighted that, through the extension of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, the Council would be planting 60 trees at 30 locations across the District, as a lasting and fitting tribute to Her Majesty.

Looking back at other engagements, the Chairman attended the New Forest Show on 27 July and was delighted to present the award for Best Large Trade Stand to the District Council for its “Environment Matters” stand.  The stand included interactive activities, providing tips and advice on reducing waste, recycling more, how to start home composting in addition to information on what gets recycled in Hampshire.

Supporting his charities, SCARF and the Fortune Centre of Riding, the Chairman attended fundraising events throughout the Summer in aid of these important organisations.

On 2 October, the Vice-Chairman attended the Harvest Festival Service at Winchester Cathedral on behalf of the District.

Meeting Arrangements

The Vice-Chairman informed Members that he intended to use his discretion to suspend standing orders to allow officers to answer any technical questions Members had on items 8 and 9 on the agenda.