Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cerasoli, Duke, Glass, Harris, Osborne, Rippon-Swaine and Thorne.

The Council commenced the meeting, by standing in a two minute silent tribute to Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.

The Chairman will move the following motion:-

“That the Council pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest serving Monarch, following the announcement of her sad death on Thursday 8 September 2022.”

The Vice-Chairman will second the motion.

Note:

At the meeting, Members will be able to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, reflect on her 70 year reign and offer their condolences to her family.

The Chairman moved the motion as set out on the agenda:-

“That the Council pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest serving Monarch, following the announcement of her sad death on Thursday 8 September 2022.”

In moving the motion, the Chairman reflected on the time he was invited to a Royal Garden Party, and the dignity and grace shown by Her Majesty in everything she did.  He spoke of the love and admiration of The Queen around the world.

The Vice-Chairman seconded the motion and in doing so, spoke of how lucky the nation was to have such a special Monarch in our lifetime.

Members added their personal reflections, many who had met The Queen.  They spoke of her devotion to duty, to her family and to the nation.  Her Majesty had shown commitment and selflessness beyond all expectations for decades.  The way in which Her Majesty worked through 70 years and all the challenges this had presented, was second to none.  Her duties had been performed right up until her sad passing, with a new Prime Minister visiting only last week.  Her Majesty was known to be unassuming, and she made people feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease in her presence.  Her understanding and judgement of the public mood was extraordinary.

Recent years had been challenging for the country, with the pandemic in particular.  Her Majesty The Queen had demonstrated leadership and gave the nation hope, that we would meet again in more settled times.  Many Members spoke of The Queen as their anchor, or rock, on which the foundations of the nation were built.  Her Majesty had lost her husband, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and remained steadfast in her commitment to her role and to her country.

The continuity of the Monarchy, and the security and comfort this gave the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world was highlighted.  His Majesty King Charles III would provide this much needed continuity into the future.

Members spoke of a feeling of loss beyond what they had expected and recorded their sincere condolences to the Royal Family.  The Royal Family had lost a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Members expressed their thanks to the community for the ongoing work that allowed local people to come together and mourn the loss of Her Majesty.  The outpouring of love demonstrated how The Queen had touched millions of hearts across the nation and the world.

The local connection with the New Forest was spoken of.  With Her Majesty’s visits to the area over the years, including to the New Forest Show and to the Appletree Court and Lymington Town offices.

The Chairman concluded by thanking Members for their fitting tributes.  He highlighted the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18 September that would be marked with a one minute silence.  Books of condolence remained open across the District for Members and residents to record their personal messages at this time.

RESOLVED:

That the Council pays tribute to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.