Transcript
City of Saltford, Councilor Gina Reynolds.
[MUSIC]
To the installation of Councillor Tanya Birch, a ceremonial mayor of the City of Saltford
for the new municipal year 2024/25. Please be seated.
[MUSIC]
A call upon Councillor Heather Fletcher to move the motion to install Councillor Tanya Birch
to the office of ceremonial mayor for the new municipal year 2024/2025.
[MUSIC]
I thank you, Chair. Do I give my statement now?
Yes, I do.
Good afternoon, everybody. It gives me great pleasure to propose the motion for my friends,
Councillor Tanya Birch to be the ceremonial mayor of Saltford for the new municipal year 2024/25.
I have decided in this short speech to tell two short stories about Councillor Tanya Birch,
which I think illustrates and definitely have the necessary qualities to be a good ceremonial mayor for our city.
The first story relates to my very first meeting with Councillor Birch, which I recall with Delli vividly.
This meeting took place in November 2013. I'm not sure Tanya can remember, but I certainly can.
That year has been a very unhappy one for me.
In June I fell down steps at Councillor Metro and broke my thumb. In March 2013 I found out that due to legal aid cuts
and the advent of fixed-piece policy, I wouldn't be able to continue with the job I loved and had done for 18 years.
That job was in the law cost drafts when preparing bills for other solicitors.
I really didn't know what I would do for the remainder of my working life.
Very close friends suggested that I had the right skill set to be a local Councillor, but I just wasn't convinced.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed attending local Labor Party meetings and parties as well, and in November 2013 I decided to go along
to my first Northwest Labor Regional Conference in Blackpool.
I enjoyed my day at the conference. Before catching the train home, we had dinner.
I didn't know where to sit because I didn't know many people there at all, and then I came across a smiling face
framed by very dark hair, who said to me, Please join us.
This, of course, was Councillor Tanya Birch.
She told me she was thrilled because she'd just been selected as a candidate for Ortsville in the May elections.
I asked her many questions about the process to become a Councillor.
She answered all the questions comprehensively and in a very pleasant manner.
The advice she gave me was very helpful because it helped me make a decision about whether I should go ahead and become a Councillor.
This first meeting illustrated to me that Councillor Birch has a warm, welcoming, helpful, friendly and outgoing personality.
These are essential qualities for a ceremonial mayor.
However, there is one footnote to this story.
We've chatted so much that I nearly missed the last train out of Blackpool.
The moral of this story, as well as highlighting Councillor Birch's attributes to be there, is that please don't start talking to Councillor Birch and you've got a train to catch.
The second story goes back to 2017 when I'd been a Councillor for a year or so.
I was invited to an interfaith soccer party at Jackson's Row Synagogue.
We were advised to bring a non-Jewish friend so they could see how Jewish people celebrated this harvest festival.
I chose Councillor Birch to accompany me.
She came along and really enjoyed herself.
She was very inquisitive and she showed a great interest in the Jewish faith and she interacted very well with everybody there.
This illustrated to me that Councillor Birch is a good mixer and genuinely interested in learning about something new.
These are qualities which will certainly stand her in good stead in her mayoral role.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that Councillor Birch is Ukrainian by birth and lived in the Ukraine for the first 25 years of her life.
It goes without saying that the past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for her with war in homeland and her family still residing there.
I'm sure that her parents Mr. Mrs. Kaminsky and her sister Olga and nephews are very proud of her achievements and noted how well she's conducted herself in such difficult times.
It says a lot of the sulphur being a truly warm and welcoming city that we have our very first Ukrainian-born mayor.
I'm certain that you're going to hear Councillor Birch's catchphrase Hello you lovely people!
But very often in the coming year I look forward to working with her as the Deputy Ceremonial Mayor.
I wish Councillor Tana Birch her consort and husband Phil and the Mayor F. Hanna to beautiful daughter all the very best for a memorable year ahead.
And I know that they will be excellent ambassadors for our great city of sulphur. Thank you.
Thank you Councillor Fletcher. Call upon Councillor Hilaria Asumu to second the motion.
Mayor, before it was not here, I'm honourable cabinet members and my esteemed fellow Councillors.
It is an honour and privilege to support the nomination of Councillor Tana Birch as our new ceremonial mayor.
From my interactions with her, I've observed that she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an understanding of the needs of the community she serves.
They are trusting who I was shown in her recent re-election success. Her approach and efforts within the community have advanced our collective goals.
The role of this ceremonial mayor is one of great significance. It is a role that embodies the spirit of our community, celebrates our shared political balance and fosters unity among us.
Councillor Tanya Birch, a track record and dedication to public service, makes her well suited to fulfil these responsibilities with distinction.
And I believe that.
And confident that she will do well in this role, bringing with her a sense of pride, integrity and a deep-rooted commitment to serving all the residents of the city of sulphur.
Implosing, I expect my heartfelt congratulations to Councillor Tanya Birch on her nomination.
I wish her the very best in a role as ceremonial mayor and look forward to the positive impact her leadership will have on the residents of sulphur. Thank you.
Thank you Councillor Sumu. I call upon Councillor Robbinger Edo to support the motion.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
First of all, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to support the motion for Tanya to become our ceremonial mayor in the 4th traveling year.
Tanya is your specimen for what makes a good sort of person.
Whilst Kail Crow Fellows are four years, she's also stepped up to help a Ukraine family. You have to take refuge in Finland.
Tanya also ages for the deputy, who was active in Kiev, and this has been still a difficult time, where for Tanya.
But during this time, she was still able to visit her family in the Ukraine and offer comfort and support.
But she also brought back to the UK, the need for food supplies, and help to raise money and send essential food back to Finland.
It was 25 years ago when Tanya moved to UK, and in 2007 when he came to sulphur.
And she became an active member of the community, helping others in the true nature of a sulphur audience.
Along with others, your roots have helped you, I believe, to become a true member of the community, in sulphur.
And I think this is why it is easy possible to call you a true sulphur audience.
Tanya is also an active in her local church, audacious in sulphur, and I hope that the pleasure of being in her company at the church there at Ring.
Many colleges and many colleges have a commitment to community, both here and in the Ukraine.
It marks me out to a very special person, and one who just deserves the honour of being an also modal man in the next 12 months.
I'm sure Tanya, your roots are a great asset to us, so join us in office.
Thank you, Councillor Robin Greedo.
I now put the motion to members of the Council for confirmation, and we all agreed.
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Okay.
If I could ask all members of the Council to stand and I will ask Councila birch to sign the statutory declaration of acceptance of office.
I have not been selected to the office of ceremonial men of the city council declare that I take that office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties of it according to the best of my judgment and ability.
Thank you.
And I will now present our new ceremonial mayor, council, Tanya birch with the mayoral requisition for the civic year ahead, which I will hold up for.
Thank you.
Thank you.
It feels like I'm watching somebody else's live and it's something from Princess died or something like that.
Thank you so much. Thank you. Please do sit down.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear friends and family.
Thank you so much for taking time out of, I'm sure your busy lives and I know most of your lives very busy, some are more so than others. Thank you. Truly appreciate you, you've been here.
I don't really like talking about myself because I know too much and I've been everywhere I was. However, if my story as a Ukrainian girl who came to Britain so many years ago, it would encourage one person, it's worth it.
I was born in Lviv in the western part of Ukraine in many years ago, so many years ago.
And I was born, raised and educated day in 1995. I graduated from Lviv State University with BA Honours in, listen to this, Ramona Germanic languages and European literature.
It's a fancy way of saying studying English.
At that time Ukraine became, COVID isn't collapsed, the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent country.
Many charities and churches and businesses flooded Ukraine and of course as an English student, I was eager to talk to the native speakers.
So I started volunteering, businesses, charities, churches and I met my future mother-in-law who came to Ukraine, to help Ukraine through their church.
It was not an arranged marriage, I guaranteed. My husband, my father.
I started interpreting for them on a voluntary basis. I absolutely fell in love with the community, translated documents, helping them to deliver.
Charitable aid trucks for charitable aid to Ukraine at that time, beds, medical equipment, medicines, which was an honor and privilege.
Just to make sure that from Britain they go to the local hospital and they did trust you.
So at that time I was raised as an atheist but I became a Christian.
I came to believe in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which was probably the most significant event in my life.
I was helping the church and the community in Ukraine and then the community in Britain, the church in Britain said, Who is this girl in the inherently 20s? Bring her over.
So they brought me over and I felt like an exotic animal because they were taking this Ukrainian girl everywhere to show me, Oh, she was helping her.
She was our secretary and interpreter,which was wonderful.
That's when I met my husband of 27 years. The only man I've ever known, the only man I have been married to.
I'm so grateful for this man, as many of you know, who has stood with me for many years, 27 years. I think they count, every year counts, 200 years.
And I just am so grateful. He supported me to come to this point and he is sitting right here as if he had a choice.
No, he didn't volunteer to sit there and she did so poorly. And we've been blessed with two beautiful girls.
What can I say? Hannah is here, bringing her to available today, but is looking at who she is receiving all the photographs and the footage.
Philip and I, we are passionate about encouraging young people in the city. And we're so grateful that this city would allow our daughter to be the Marasana.
I'm so grateful that you kindly agreed to support. You can imagine teenagers, young 20s, how hard it was to get her to come here.
But she has. She decided to make that step and I just thank God for her courage.
And I believe she's going to be an encouragement for many young women in this city.
And as a Ukrainian woman, I would like to encourage women to take places of authority in this city, to break those glass ceilings above our heads.
And especially a Ukrainian woman, I would like to encourage women who are of ethnic minority backgrounds as well.
Well, in 2020, when the pandemic hit the world to focus on something positive, I decided to do a Masters of Business Administration with Manchester Metropolitan University.
And of course, my heart is from the young people. So the topic was, how can we get the media, city, UK stakeholders to provide employment for young people of old soul.
It was not a generic topic, it was for old soul. So my commitment to the people of old soul and that city is not just expressed in beautiful flower words.
I put my money where my mouth is, my time as well.
So that was a wonderful experience and I hope that the conclusions and the summary of that dissertation is going to be helpful for the city.
My wonderful supervisor is here today and support me.
I will be forever grateful she was there supporting me through the turbulent times of Ukrainian war.
I had to take time off and she was right there.
So thank you ever so much for Linda, to Linda.
Politics, I've always been involved in local church, local community.
And we, Philip, and two beautiful daughters of course, were always supporting me.
The time came and Philip said,
Tanya, how many of these projects are going to run?
Then I knew, I need help.
So I didn't even know that as a Ukrainian I could become a counselor in the city, in Britain.
So at Google, how to become a counselor in the United Kingdom.
There were friends who supported me and with the city mayor Paul Dennett, who was my first election agent, Abigam, counselor for the board of Ortsol in 2014, ten years later, only two weeks ago.
The residents of Ortsol decided that they wanted to have me back to keep me, for which I am forever grateful.
Thank you ever so much for everyone who supported me through these times, challenging times.
And as the ceremonial mayor, becoming a counselor, opened the door for me to become the ceremonial mayor.
Extremely moving time.
It's almost like I'm watching somebody else's life unfolding in front of me.
I can't just thank every single person who, over these ten years in politics and throughout my life, supported me.
All those hugs, all those messages, even today, all those phone calls, all those prayers, I truly, truly appreciate them.
And I appreciate every single one of you.
As the ceremonial mayor, the consort, Hannah the mayor, and myself, we decided to support two charities.
One is Saint Anne's Hospice.
As the deputy ceremonial mayor and the deputy consort went to Saint Anne's Hospice.
It's the charity and invented charity that helps people with life limiting challenges.
And from the moment we drove to the car park, we realized that this place is so filled with tender mercies, kindness, optimism in spite of what's taking place there.
We decided instantly that it was going to be one of our charities.
And wholeheartedly we encourage you to support us as we support them during this term in the office.
The second charity, I've got a little story, trust you, please trust me, it's going to be only 40 minutes.
Another story, we decided to support Royal Naval Association.
Because when the war Ukraine started in February 2022, people, my friends, who had, who had civilians, never had anything to do with the war, with the army, with the navy.
They laid aside their civilian lives, their hobbies, left their families, took out their arms and went to defend their families, their homes, their freedom.
Only them didn't realize how important the army and navy are for us.
They joined the army and joined the navy knowing that they might have to lay their life for us to sit here and freedom, to experience democracy.
And I've unfortunately known so many of them who actually died.
They didn't want to fight, they didn't want to kill, but they had to.
And therefore this revelation of the courage, the dedication, the commitment, the sacrifice of our armed forces and the navy led us to support our veterans, their families.
Because they spent so many weeks and months apart to train and be ready to protect precious democracy that we have here, the freedoms that we have here.
I would like to encourage you, if anyone would like to support our charities work with us, please talk to us to the mayoral team, and let us, during this municipal year, be the change that we want to see in the city.
Thank you again for coming. Thank you. I can say love you very much. Thank you.
[Applause]
Work starts now. I call upon Councillor John Womisham to give thanks to the retiring ceremonial mayor and consort for 2023-2024. You're going to enjoy this.
Thank you, Ceremonial Mayor. It's a pleasure to be your first member to be called in this council chamber.
Ceremonial Mayor, colleagues and guests, it is my privilege to be revolted thanks to the retiring mayor and consort.
To say they've enjoyed the year would be an understatement.
First, they became members of a secret society called the GM chain gang. That's what the app group is called of the Greater Manchester Mayors, and I'm sure, Councillor Bert, that you will become a member of that in this film in the year.
But for myself, I'd love to read some of the messages. It is about making interesting reading.
Some of the main highlights of the year for June and Neil have been awarding the freedom of the city to John Cooper Clack, meeting Deborah Simogor, author of Truth That Fights, a survivors' memoir of the 1994 genocide against the Topsie and Rwanda,
and 106 birthday party, both with the mayor found very, very emotional occasions.
What was also believed to be a first, the Royal Navy spliced the main race in the mayor's power.
Now, after this, you may have seen the mayor and consort looking very happy after the run tasting.
And also, both have now become involved with the Royal Navy Society, and I've also heard on the great vibe that every now and again, Neil can be seen dressed as a sailor.
So, the successful charity events have been a 70s evening, an Elvis tribute night, afternoon teas, which Gina says, it's salted that serves the best cakes in Greater Manchester. So, you didn't for a treat, I'm not sure.
She also had a race night, which actually turned into a boxing event when a fight broke out, but obviously with Gina being an expouncer, the situation was super on the control.
Of course, there was also the fantastic black on white charity ball, which was a great fun razor, but obviously one of the things we won't mention is Council Pebb, it's jacket.
So, those that you haven't seen, it looks on the website and you know what I'm talking about.
Sorry mate.
The mayor and consort also enjoyed visits to events at Heathland's Village, to Heathland's Village for a soccer event, a local mosque for the Ramadan meal, and they also enjoyed a number of visits to different schools, where the main questions always seem to be,
How rich are you? Do your driver be car?"
And the more streetwise kids always hide the chain up, working out how much they get, if they wave it in.
One of Gina's greatest privilege and pleasures of course was keeping also under control.
Chairing Council meetings, and I'm sure that members will agree with me that Gina this year has done a first class job in really, really, consolors and chair to council meetings as well, and that is no easy task.
Finally, I would like to thank the mayor all team for their work and support they've given the mayor and consort.
They do a sterling job and are often on some payrolls with some of the things that they have to do and certainly pour with.
Plus of course, the members of the mayor's charity committee who have given their time collecting for the charities and organising events.
I also feel I have to give a special mention to Chelsea Davis, who created an extra special calendar for the mayor's charity.
And I thank all those people for the party, because it certainly was as a special calendar that represented the city.
I wish Gina and Neil Weld for the future, they've been fantastic ambassadors for the city, but they are now going back to normal life.
Starting with going to a gig with me tomorrow, where Gina can again dance on the tables and Neil can start on the stage and jump up and crouch so it's a thing he loves to do.
I therefore ask members to join me in supporting this motion of thanks for the outgoing ceremonial mayor and consort.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Thank you, John.
I call upon the leader of their position, Councillor Robin Gawido, to give thanks.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
It's always a pleasure to actually support the rescue practice, because you know what a good job that appears to have done over the last 12 months, and you have been no exception.
To get to be your consort, Neil, and your mayor's, you carry down your duties and instincting and without any hesitation.
You feed yourselves, debate yourself for you, and prefer out the year that you're also a good friend to your people of sulphur, particularly with the significance amount of money that you have raised, your charities.
I think we heard this morning, there's something over 40,000 pounds, terrific achievement.
Everywhere you've been, people have warmed to your kindness, and just cleared it, you're representative, and I'll say to you well.
I know that you had to exchange the busy year, and perhaps you fell forward to a little bit of a rest, but to have you listened to Councillor Waters, and I think that might not be too possible in their future.
But well done.
Thank you very much for what you've done approximately, and I look forward to carrying on as friends over the next few years.
[Applause]
Thank you, Councillor Guido.
And now I'm going to present Retiring Ceremonial Men, Gina Reynolds, and Retiring Consort, Councillor Neil Reynolds, with the replica of the Memorial Bench and the photographic yearbook.
[Applause]
Now I invite Ceremonial Men, the retired Ceremonial Men, Councillor Gina Reynolds, to make her a holedictory address.
Well, friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, a very good afternoon to you all, and firstly, many congratulations to the new Ceremonial Men, Councillor Tamia Birch, the Consort Phillip Birch, and the Lady Mayress Hammer Birch.
Thank you to John and Robin, for your vote of thanks, and very touched by your kind words, which are much appreciated, and I'll get you back tomorrow night, John.
It's been an absolute honor and a privilege to be Ceremonial Mayor of this great and global city.
I felt incredibly proud to wear the chains of office with the motto and the coat of arms of Salford.
Solus, popular, supreme, relaxed, the welfare of the people is the highest law, and that's obviously behind us.
For me, the people of Salford are its greatest assets.
It's been extremely humbling to meet so many wonderful, inspirational people of all ages.
Many have overcome difficulties in their lives and have been astounded by their determination, strength, and compassion.
Since last May, I've met many volunteers who make a real difference to people's lives.
They are all on some heroes who truly represent the spirits of Salford, and it's been a pleasure to attend award events,
including the Foster Careers Awards, Volunteers Awards, and Heart of Salford Awards,
so that we've been able to say how much we appreciate and value those individuals and groups.
Until those individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the city,
it's been wonderful to host them in the parlor and to give them a well-deserved Mayor's Citizen Award.
One of the highlights of me, office, as John has said, has undoubtedly been honouring one of my eyeballs,
a John Cooper clerk with Freedom of the City, the original punk poet who's made an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Salford.
And what a fantastic occasion that was. I think we all, everybody who attended thoroughly enjoyed that.
Such a down-to-earth, humble mum.
It's been a real joy to discover more about my city and indeed the rest of Greater Manchester and our diverse communities.
I've enjoyed forming new friendships with the other Greater Manchester mayors and members of the left tendency as well,
and working collaboratively and officially becoming a member of the chain gang, and a lifelong member.
My consort and I have had an incredible and memorable year.
Experiences that we would never have been able to have the opportunity to do previously.
I'm just going to mention a few of them. It seems a long list, but this is just an absolute snapshot of some of the things we've done.
So, presenting the British citizens and certificates during citizenship ceremony, that's a wonderful joyous occasion.
People are so proud to come here and settle and contribute to the City of Salford.
Holding the position of Vice President of the Together Trust for 12 months.
And that's a charity providing care services to children and young people living with disabilities, and that's part of the role.
I didn't know that before it became ceremony on there, so I hope we look forward to that meeting with you there.
Opening the whip walks with the Lord Mayor of Manchester and St Peter Square.
Meeting the oldest resident, as John has said, Elsie Godor, 106, what an incredible lady, and she is.
Unveiling Memorial Stone with the High Commission of Rwanda in the UK to commemorate the 1994 genocide against the two.
Seeing Rwanda, and that was a real honor.
Doing a welcome speech at the Pink Pitwick in Peel Park, an event that we've always gone to and always supported.
Speaking at the Salford Children's Book Awards, I'm going to know if Teresa was there as well.
Tending the Halli Youth Concerts, visiting the Scout Camping Wigan, where a lot of our young people from Salford who are in the Scout go to.
And that's a wonderful camp.
I got to throw an axe there.
Yeah, I got to throw an axe at Tomahor.
Yeah, so I'm going to do a bit of a hardship.
Speaking at the Armed Forces Day, I'm raising the flag here at the Civic Centre, which I wouldn't have done if I haven't been ceremony on.
I'm attending a fabulous remembrance service in the Concord Hangar at Manchester Airport, under the wings of Concord.
That was certainly some remembrance service.
Seeing the Army Cadet Force facilities at Holcomb Mall, we spent today there, and attending George's Day at Manchester Cathedral, which marks the start of the legal year.
Visiting HMS Eagle in Liverpool, and we've got the naval association to thank for that visit.
And we also went to the Carol Service in Liverpool, the Sea Fairish Church, the Liverpool Parish Church.
And that was a lovely Carol Service as well.
And having a side and meal, just prior to Passover at Newlands Care Home, we also did an Iptar meal, which I've done before, but this was on a really grand schedule.
It was at Lancaster County Cricket Club, with the call of prayer from the loudspeakers right onto the cricket ground, which was absolutely tremendous.
That was a real occasion, wasn't it?
And there were literally hundreds of people from Moslin communities all over Greater Manchester at that event.
And of course, opening a variety of shops, clubs and hoops.
So these are just a few of the amazing experiences which Neil and I have thoroughly enjoyed.
I hope I've done this city proud by promoting sulfur as an inclusive caring and progressive city, and by champion the role of women in all areas of public life.
And it's wonderful that city of sulfur has another woman, a ceremonial man, and we'll have another woman with Councillor Fletcher as Councillor Fletcher has said.
It's been a pleasure to support some wonderful charities, a real privilege, St. John's Hospital Hall to the Mental Health Charity Star and Agnes Hopkins Community Centre and Veterans' Hub.
I'd like to thank all my charity committee members and volunteers, including some of the fellow Councillors who worked incredibly hard.
We've had so much fun raising, we had some fantastic events as John has said, culminating in the black and white charity ball.
And I'd also like to thank the talented Chelsea Davis for not only doing my 2023 and Civic Christmas card, but the wonderful calendar showcasing soul for radical heritage.
And I wish Chelsea every success in her life and her career.
I'm absolutely delighted to have raised a total of 44,425 pounds and 15 pence, which will make a real difference, got to get that pen soon, which will make a real difference to so many people.
And thank you to everybody who donated so generously. It's very much appreciated.
Before I conclude, I need to express my gratitude to some amazing people and apologies.
I don't want it to sound like an Oscar speech, but I do need to thank all the individuals.
So firstly, my comfort and husband Neil for his love and support.
He's done a splendid job and been a tower of strength to all my family and friends for their understanding and support.
Councillor Tanya Birch and her husband, Phillip, for covering events as Deputy Ceremonial Mayor and Deputy Council, where there were clashes.
The City Mayor Paul Demet and all the officers, including the registrars, who provided sound assistance, well, sound advice and assistance, and the clergy of led prayers at full council.
I'd like to also thank the printing team and creative services produced in the charity calendar, because they put a lot of work into that.
Citywide for providing food at several Pacific events, which was always delicious, salted in harmony for singing beautifully at some of the Pacific events.
Billy McGrockian, who has taken some fabulous official photos, thanks Billy.
But last and certainly not least, special thanks to the wonderful Staffing Member Services. I'm getting emotional now.
They're all stars, Michelle Lindsay, Vicki Christian, Pauline Pearson, Johnny, in my tandem for the first six months, and it's lovely to see you here, and for you to be able to participate in this ceremony, thank you.
And since John's retirement, Nigel Fleming, and I know Nigel's very passionate about the job, and he's doing a great job, and not forgetting Kieran McElwey, who was the attendance cover, Kieran covered quite a few events for us.
They've all been superb, they've worked tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly, and I couldn't have done the role without them.
So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
I'd like to finish by wishing Tanya, her gone sort Billy, and laid in her ass hammer every success during their tomb of office.
I know you'll have an absolutely amazing year, like we have, and wish you all the best in every success.
Thank you.
[applause]
[silence]
Thank you, Councillor.
I call up Councillor Maria Brabener to move the motion to install Councillor Heather Fletcher to the Office of Deputy Ceremonia Mayor for the Municipal Year 2024-2025.
Thank you, ceremonial Mayor. It gives me great pleasure to propose this motion to install my friend, Councillor Heather Fletcher.
She sat right here in front of me, looking at me, to the Office of Deputy Ceremonia Mayor for the Municipal Year 2024-2025. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor. I call up on Councillor Jan Womisham to second the motion.
[silence]
Hi, thank you. It gives me great pleasure to move my Deputy Chair on listen, Deputy Chair on Curzall World.
I'm friend Heather Fletcher to be the Deputy Ceremonia Mayor for 2024-25. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor. I call up on Councillor Analucondas to support the motion.
[silence]
It's my great pleasure to support my good friend, Councillor Heather Fletcher, as the incoming Deputy Ceremonia Mayor.
We might be in different parties, but we've been good friends. She's a popular Councillor, and a pillar of the local, particularly Jewish community, chair of the Co-chair of the Muslim Jewish Forum, and fellow representative and Jewish representative council.
If I can just say, as Heather often says, we're very good friends. Despite the fact that both politically in sporting life, we wear different colours.
So where I am red, she is blue. Where I am blue, she is red. In other words, politically I wear a blue rosette, she wears a red rosette.
And in sporting terms, I support the reds, Manchester United, the FA Cup winners elect.
[laughter]
And Heather supports Manchester City, both Premier League and FA Cup runners up elect.
[laughter]
Thank you, Councillor. I put the motion to the members of the Council for confirmation.
Thank you, Carried.
Thank you, everybody.
Thank you.
And on this note, I would like to thank everyone for attending. Thank you for your time, truly, from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate your attendance here.
And I declare this meeting closed. Enjoy the rest of the day, and see you soon.
[applause]
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