A minute’s silence was held in memory of Mr Nick Williams, former Member for Murston Ward, Sittingbourne.

The Mayor’s Chaplain will say prayers, after which the Mayor will welcome guests to the meeting.

The Retiring Mayor’s Chaplain the Reverend Jean Burrows opened the meeting with a prayer.

In accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, a resolution must be passed by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members voting. The Council are accordingly requested to pass the following resolution:

"That this Council in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, do confer upon Alan Willicombe, Jean Willicombe and Steve Worrall the title of Honorary Alderman and Honorary Alderwoman in recognition of the valuable service given to the Council by those Members as past Members of the Council".

The past Members will be called forward to be presented with their plaque and scrolls.

Mr Alan Willicombe

Councillor Bowles proposed and Councillor Gerry Lewin seconded that Mr Alan Willicombe be awarded the title of Honorary Alderman.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the retiring Mayor presented Mr Alan Willicombe with a scroll and plaque to reflect this honour, and Mr Willicombe gave a speech in recognition of this award.

Resolved:

(1)     That this Council, in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, confer upon Mr Alan Willicombe the title of Honorary Alderman, in recognition of the valuable service given to the Council by Mr Alan Willicombe as a past Member of the Council.

Mrs Jean Willicombe

Councillor Bowles proposed and Councillor Bryan Mulhern seconded that Mrs Jean Willicombe be awarded the title of Honorary Alderwoman.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the retiring Mayor presented Mrs Jean Willicombe with a scroll, plaque, and flowers to reflect this honour.

(2)    That this Council, in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, confer upon Mrs Jean Willicombe the title of Honorary Alderwoman, in recognition of the valuable service given to the Council by Mrs Jean Willicombe as a past Member of the Council.

Mr Steve Worrall

Councillor Harrison proposed and Councillor Roger Truelove seconded that Mr Steve Worrall be awarded the title of Honorary Alderman.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the retiring Mayor presented Mr Steve Worrall with a scroll and plaque and Past Mayoress Mrs Therese Davies with flowers to reflect this honour, and Mr Worrall gave a speech in recognition of this award.

(3)    That this Council, in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, confer upon Mr Steve Worrall the title of Honorary Alderman, in recognition of the valuable service given to the Council by Mr Steve Worrall a past Member of the Council.

The Mayor will present past Members Richard Barnicott, Sylvia Bennett, Jackie Constable, Mick Constable, John Coulter, Ed Gent, Martin McCusker, Gareth Randall, Pat Sandle, David Sargent, Adam Tolhurst, Nick Williams and Tony Winckless who have served at least one full term of office, with their scrolls.

The Chief Executive presented scrolls to Sylvia Bennett, David Sargent, Adam Tolhurst and Tony Winckless.  Councillor Harrison collected scrolls on behalf of Jackie and Mick Constable, Honorary Alderwoman Cindy Davis collected a scroll on behalf of John Coulter, Councillor Sue Gent collected scrolls on behalf of Mr Ed Gent, and Mrs Pat Sandle and Councillor Roger Truelove collected scrolls on behalf of Mr Martin McCusker and the late Mr Nick Williams respectively.

At this point Councillor Roger Truelove spoke in memory of Mr Nick Williams, Borough Councillor for Murston Ward from 2007 to 2015, recalling that he had been a dedicated and hard working Member.                          .

To confirm the appointment of Councillor Anita Walker as Mayor for the civic year 2015/16.

The Mayoral party will now retire for re-robing.

The retiring Mayor advised that the decision to appoint a Mayor elect had been taken at the Council meeting on 18 February 2015, where it had been resolved that Councillor Anita Walker be elected Mayor for the civic year 2015/16.

Councillor Ben Stokes spoke to endorse the decision to elect Councillor Anita Walker as Mayor.  Councillor Sue Gent seconded the endorsement with a speech.

The Mayor read out and signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was presented with her badge of office and flowers.

Resolved:

(1)  That the decision made at the Council meeting on 18 February 2015 to elect Councillor Anita Walker as Mayor for the 2015/16 civic year be endorsed.

The new Mayor will outline the forthcoming Mayoral year, including their chosen charities.

The Mayor thanked Members for her election as Mayor and introduced her Mayoress, Mrs Sylvia Lawrence.  She advised that her four chosen charities would be Sheerness Carnival Club, Sittingbourne Carnival Club, Teynham Carnival Club, and Faversham Carnival Club.

A vote of thanks will be given to the retiring Mayor, Councillor George Bobbin and the retiring Mayoress, Mrs Brenda Bobbin.

The retiring Mayor is invited to say a few words about their Mayoral Year and to present gifts.

Councillor Andy Booth proposed and Councillor Bryan Mulhern seconded a vote of thanks to Councillor Bobbin for his work as Mayor.

The Mayor presented Councillor Bobbin with a civic shield and scroll, a past Mayor’s badge, and mementos of his term of office, and flowers to his daughter-in-law Mrs Lorraine Bobbin on behalf of Mrs Brenda Bobbin. 

The retiring Mayor made a speech in response.  He advised that he had attended 300 engagements, noting as particularly memorable the commemoration events held for the World War One Victoria Cross recipients Major Donald Dean and Colonel Philip Neame, and his trip with young people to the Menin Gate, Ypres, to commemorate Armistice Day and visits to Tyne Cot and other War Cemeteries.

The retiring Mayor then presented Petty Officer Cadet Shaun Lock, from the Sheppey Sea Cadet Unit, the Mayor’s PA, and the Civic Attendant with gifts.

To confirm the appointment of Councillor Lesley Ingham as Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2015/16.

The Mayor advised that the decision to appoint a Deputy Mayor elect had been taken at the Council meeting on 18 February 2015, where it was resolved that Councillor Lesley Ingham be elected Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2015/16.

Councillor Derek Conway spoke to endorse the decision to elect Councillor Lesley Ingham as Deputy Mayor.  Councillor Ken Pugh seconded the endorsement with a speech.

The Deputy Mayor read out and signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was presented with her badge of office.

Resolved:

(1)  That the decision made at Council on 18 February 2015 to elect Councillor Lesley Ingham as Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2015/16 be endorsed.

The Mayor will announce the appointment of her Cadet for the forthcoming civic year 2015/16 and will present the Cadet with the official badge.

The Mayor announced that she would be appointing Able Cadet Jamie Brown of Sheppey Sea Cadets as the Mayor’s Cadet, and presented him with a cadet badge for his uniform.

The Mayor will announce the appointment of her Chaplain for the forthcoming civic year 2015/16.

The Mayor announced that she would be appointing Reverend Simon Rowlands as her Chaplain for the forthcoming civic year.

The Mayor’s Chaplain will say prayers, after which guests and members of the public are asked to remain standing whilst the official party withdraws.

Members are reminded that the Annual Council meeting will reconvene tomorrow evening, Wednesday 20 May 2015 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Swale House, to conclude its business.

In the absence of the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Simon Rowlands, the Reverend Ros Parrett concluded the meeting with prayers.

The Mayor reminded Members that the second part of the Annual Council meeting would be held the following evening starting at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Swale House.  She then invited all Members and guests to join her for light refreshments.