Minutes:
Former Cllr Alan Rice
The Chairman referred with great sadness to the recent passing of former Councillor Alan Rice, who was a serving New Milton Town Councillor. Alan was first elected to New Forest District Council in 1973 to the Bashley ward and served continuously until 2015. He served as a Member of the preceding Lymington Borough Council from 1963. He also gave over 40 years of service to Hampshire County Council.
Alan held the position of Chairman of the District Council in 2000/01 and held a number of prominent committee positions including the Planning Committee, of which he was Chairman in the 1970s. He also represented the District Council on a number of Outside Bodies, particularly the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust and the Solent Forum for over 15 years.
Members of the Council gave their own personal tributes to Alan.
The Chairman expressed his sincere condolence’s to Alan’s family and friends and placed on record the Council’s thanks for the outstanding service he had given the District.
Former Cllr Graham Parkes
The Chairman referred to the very sad news of the recent passing of former Councillor Graham Parkes. Graham was first elected to the Furzedown and Hardley ward in May 2003, serving four years on NFDC until May 2007.
Graham served as a Member of the Planning Committee, Appeals Committee and the Economy and Planning Review Panel, in addition to his service to Hythe and Dibden Parish Council.
Members of the Council gave their own personal tributes to Graham.
The Chairman expressed his sincere condolence’s to Graham’s family and friends and placed on record the Council’s thanks for the service he had given the District.
Ukraine Conflict – 1 Year On
The Chairman referred to the one minute silence held on Friday 24 February 2023, to mark one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian flag was flying at Appletree Court as the Council continued to stand with the people of Ukraine.
Holocaust Memorial Day
On 27 January 2023, the Chairman lit a candle to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, as the Council recognised those who endured genocide, honouring the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.
Engagements
The Chairman referred to the following recent engagements:-
5 February
Attended the Mayor of New Milton’s Annual Civic Service, in support of charities SCARF New Forest and Parkinsons Dance at Forest Arts.
10 February
Attended a charity event hosted by the Mayor of Southampton at the Guildhall, with the money raised going towards City Reach, Southampton Street Pastors and Southampton Hospital Charity.
16 February
Attended the Institution and Induction service of Reverend Alison Bennett at All Saints Church, Fawley.
Procedures
The Chairman confirmed his intention to ask the Council to agree to suspend Standing Orders to allow the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to exceed the time limit of five minutes on their speeches under the Annual Budget item, later on the agenda.
He reminded Members that a number of recorded votes would need to be taken at the meeting in accordance with the law.
Referring to the substantial and complex business on the agenda, the Chairman requested the Council’s support and cooperation to help with the smooth running of the meeting.