Agenda item

Chairman’s Activities since last Council meeting

Since the last Council meeting the Chairman had attended many functions throughout the New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset & Surrey, including: -

·        The Mayor of Bournemouth’s Charity fashion show at the Highcliffe Marriott Hotel raising money for his charities.

·        The opening of the Malt Cinema at the Lymington Community Centre.

·        The VIP launch of Cambium at Careys Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst.

·        Welcoming delegates to the New Forest Network Advice meeting at Appletree Court.

·        A private dinner party for local networking with companies from the Bournemouth area, in the Mayor of Bournemouth’s parlour.

·        A concert in the Great Hall, Winchester on WW1 hosted by the Chairman of Hampshire County Council.

·        The raising of the Commonwealth Flag on Commonwealth Day at Appletree Court.

·        A rehearsal of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Lighthouse and a tour of the RNLS College.

·        Civic days with the Mayors of Eastleigh, Havant and Hart.

·        A private dinner party with the Mayor of Fareham in his parlour with his local business representatives.

·        The Mayor of Christchurch charity gala dinner at the Captain’s Club, Christchurch and the Mayor of New Milton’s charity ball held at Shorefield Holiday Park.

·        Representing the New Forest at the Hampshire and IOW Sport Awards Ceremony at Southampton Football Club.

·        Representing the New Forest District at the New Forest Choirs and the New Forest Chamber Choir at the Regent Centre, Christchurch.

·        The Mayor of Fareham’s charity ball at the Ferneham Hall and also the Mayor of Eastleigh’s charity ball at the Botley Park Hotel, Hedge End.

·        The Mayor of Havant’s charity spring dinner at the South Downs College restaurant.

·        An Easter afternoon tea party in aid of charity with the Mayor of Rushmoor in the Council offices, Farnham.

·        The Forest Connexions Exhibition preview at the New Forest Centre Lyndhurst and the Dudley Keep Lecture on Galipoli at the Great Hall, Winchester.

·        A reception in the Mayor of Southampton’s parlour and afterwards at Showtime Production in the O2 at the Guildhall by Southampton and West Hampshire Brownies and Guides.

·        The opening day at the Lodge, Ashley, New Milton.

·        The Mayor of Bournemouth’s charity ball in the Pavilion ballroom.

Departing Councillors

Earlier that day the Chairman had held a reception for outgoing councillors who were retiring at the forthcoming election. The Chairman thanked these councillors for the years of service given to the New Forest and wished them happiness in the future.

Members paid tribute to departing Councillors and thanked them for their hard work and diligence during their terms of office.

Death of former Councillor Mrs Barbara Maynard

The Chairman reported the death of former Cllr Mrs Barbara Maynard, who served on the Council for the Blackfield and Langley Ward between 1995 and 2003 and then the Fawley, Blackfield and Langley Ward between 2003 and 2007.    During her terms, she served on what were then the Central Services, Emergencies and Housing Committees along with the Planning Development Control and Appeals Committees. She would be sadly missed.

Charity Fundraising Events

On Friday 13 March the Chairman hosted reception and charity dinner at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst.  A total of £1687 was raised for the Chairman’s charities.  The speaker, Peter Henley of BBC South Today and the Politics Programme gave a great speech.  The Chairman thanked Donna Langfield and the owners and staff of the Balmer Lawn Hotel for their help with the event.

On Thursday 19 March the Chairman hosted a lifestyle fashion evening at Elliotts, Lymington organised by the owner Neil Welker and his staff.  The evening had been a great success and raised £2734 for the Chairman’s charities.

On Monday 30 March, Amanda and Alan Poulton at The Red Lion in Boldre held a quiz and curry evening in aid of the Chairman’s charities. A profit of £523 was raised.  On Easter Friday a draw was held for a charity basket and raised a further £265.  The Chairman thanked all those who helped with these events.

The Chairman thanked Anthony Climpson, Carol Seymour and members of the New Forest Tourism and Business Association who donated generously to The Nalder Foundation and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance with raffle prizes.

The Chairman announced that many bags had been donated by staff and councillors for Oakhaven Hospice, the goods would be sold in their shops. She thanked all who donated.

The Chairman thanked all who helped with her recent charity events.