Transcript
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
Please be seated.
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
Granted, all the decisions taken by the council may be for the benefit of all, so that together we may grow in love and in service of one another, and that we may serve the common good through Christ our Lord, Amen.
You're the man.
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
(footsteps)
The purpose of this meeting is to elect and formally install a mayor and to appoint and formally install a deputy mayor.
I would now like to invite nominations for the election of mayor.
(footsteps)
Mr. Mayor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
This is my great honor and privilege to propose the nomination of Councillor Beryl Blackmore to become Mayor of Rexxham for the ensuing year.
So who is Beryl Blackmore? Well, Beryl is originally from Liverpool, not that you can tell from a Rexxant.
Beryl has lived in Rexxham now for 48 years, and within that period, Beryl has gone on and still is this day one of the great community champions that our Rexxant communities have ever known.
Personally, I first met Beryl 16, 17 years ago when we were members of the Lib Dems.
I think we were both very much inspired by the late great Alid Roberts, a man who was still greatly missed by so many people in this room.
But I was also inspired by Beryl herself, and the thing which inspired me most about Beryl was that everything she said, everything she did, everything she wanted, the community was at the heart of it.
And so all that Beryl has ever wanted is creating a happy environment for herself, her family and all those who live close by.
Beryl's community CV is as impressive as any elected member, both past and present. So what's Beryl done?
Beryl was instrumental in setting up the Marford guides, which is still running today.
She also set up the rough after school club, again, still going today. Many of their children, who are now in most cases adults, are very, very fond memories of Beryl.
Even those who misbehaved at this after school club, after a quick telling off from Beryl, they soon learned the errors of their ways.
And Beryl has put that to good use, also in her career, as a magistrate in the youth courts.
I'm sure Beryl's influence has changed the lives of many, many people who were on the wrong path for the better.
So what else has Beryl done? She's a steward at Gresford Methodist Church, instrumental in her local luncheon club for the over 60s.
I also recall Beryl used to be a governor at Darling High School. I know that because I was a governor at the same time.
And I remember my main memory of Beryl was her fundraising. She fundraised tirelessly for the school to have a new mini-bus.
On top of that, Beryl has been a long-standing community counselor and has also represented the two community wards in Gresford on Wrexham Council, both Gresford and now Marford.
If you ever go to a community event in Gresford on Marford, you can guarantee you'll see Beryl.
Though you're probably sure to get a conversation with her because she'll be that busy doing one thing or another.
There.
Despite Beryl's life commitment to serving the community, to serving others, her priority has always been her beloved family, her daughter's Julie and Susan, and her grandchildren.
So, as Beryl goes on to become mayor, she certainly has the experience and caliber to do the role.
And also, it's helped by the fact that she's spent the past year being deputy mayor.
There's no doubt Beryl is going to make a first-class mayor, and to add to that, there are two other factors which will help her.
Firstly, she's going to follow in the footsteps of the current mayor, Councillor Andy Williams.
I have the good fortune to follow in Councillor Williams's footsteps in 2019.
And because of his hard work and his drive, that put the mayoralty in good stead and enhance their reputation, and that helped me greatly.
So, it's going to help you because Andy has done it again this past mayoral year.
And also, the other factor which will help her is that Beryl is going to be accompanied by the very impressive dots.
Now, I'll be honest, I don't really know Dot that well, but what I've seen of Dot has impressed me greatly.
She has this cool, calm, collected personality which I know she's going to do very, very well.
And I think Beryl and Dot together, they're going to be to rexam civic society, what Cagney and Lacey were to New York police enforcement.
So, I would like to wish Beryl and Dot every success.
They will do a wonderful job for rexam.
So, to conclude, to conclude even, it gives me a great pleasure to formally nominate
Councillor Beryl Blackmore to be Mayor of rexam for the ensuing year.
Do y'all invite Mr. Mayor?
Okay, do we have a seconder?
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
It gives me a great pleasure to second the name of Councillor Beryl Blackmore
for Mayor of rexam county borough for the ensuing year.
Can I say, Beryl, we wish you good help, happiness to carry out your duties.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
The nomination for Councillor Beryl Blackmore for election of Mayor has been proposed and seconded
and now put this proposal to the Council for approval.
All those agreed?
I would now like to invite nominations for the appointments of Deputy Mayor.
Do we have a...
Good afternoon.
It gives me a great pleasure to propose Councillor Tina Manner in for the role of Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year.
Tina is a fantastic person and she works tirelessly in a ward in Gursselteast
and is at the heart of the local community for a long time.
Tina was the owner of Bradley Stores for 10 years, opening from early in the morning until late at night.
A little bit like open all hours, so I'm told.
Prior to running a shop, Tina was well known in the taxi business
and was the proprietor of Club Cars for 16 years.
Between the two businesses, Tina has implied over 70 people personally.
I got to know Tina prior to the election in 2017.
She was a candidate who wanted to make a difference
and then there will all be an Councillor who's hard work.
It has changed her life.
I was group leader with Tina during the first term of her office
and it's been a pleasure to witness Tina and her journey as a Councillor
to see how she's grown and developed her skills.
She first served on the customer performance scrutiny committee
and I recall her saying it was like going back to school.
But Tina has always been willing to learn and develop, which is one of the reasons,
is why she's such a good public servant.
She is currently the chair of the Employment Business
and Investment scrutiny committee and is keen to support local businesses
in and out of the city.
She recently took part in a visit to Charlie Markets,
looking for inspiration to support the work we are undertaking
to revamp our own markets at Rexham Council.
The Charlie group, as they are known, are full of energy and enthusiasm
and have been pushing for new ideas and I'm pleased that the relaunch
of the Monday Market is about to start on the 3rd of June
with a fantastic free, incentive for local traders.
Tina serves on the governing body at Oscar Halvan.
She enjoys promoting how well the school is doing.
She often tells us how remarkable the children who attend there
and how the school showcases ideas to other schools.
Tina is passionate about open spaces and has helped lead a campaign
to save Alan Waters.
She has played a key role in supporting the Council's pledge
to protect all our country parks, placing them in fields in trust,
which mean they can never be built on.
Tina has also led a campaign to support Active 8 Gym in the village,
which has needed some funding to improve facilities for disabled people.
One of the key issues for Tina is youth provision.
Tina campaigns constantly for better youth provision in the village
and continues to work with Rexham Youth and Play partnership,
which she is a trustee.
She tells me grants are getting more and more difficult to source.
She is always reaching out to local businesses to support
to keep the Gwenborough Valley providing for the children it serves.
Tina is always fundraising and campaigning.
She works tirelessly with Alan Waters Community Caffee,
especially after lockdown when they were under threat of closure.
Thankfully, this didn't happen and it's nice to see that many volunteers
and organisations thrive there.
Tina serves on the Community Council and is always willing to help people
with everything from the cost of living, filling in forms,
signposting to the relevant issues for their local residents.
Of course, one of the biggest successes for Tina is the famous
annual wands carnival of Bradley.
This is a fantastic showpiece for the community and Tina fundraises
with the other organisations, which is pretty amazing.
She even used to rope me in as a car pack attendant,
but I'm pleased I've docked out of that role now.
Finally, Tina is scrutiny champion for the council.
She has supported officers and members in developing a better overview of scrutiny.
She is a strong person and despite a personal challenge,
she faced after being hurt and a horse riding incident,
she has fought back to become even stronger.
So it gives me great pleasure, Mr Mayor, to propose Tina as Deputy Mayor
and I have no doubt she will do a fantastic job
in supporting the people of Raxson.
Do we have a seconder?
Mr Mayor, it gives me great pleasure.
Two second council, David Biscoll's proposal,
and I formally move that Tina becomes the Deputy Mayor of Raxson.
Can I just say on behalf of the full council and the chamber here this evening,
David has summed it up, everything you do a lot more,
but I know that you'll be a fantastic ambassador for Raxson,
so congratulations on well done.
The nomination for Council of Tina Manor in for the appointments of Deputy Mayor
has been proposed and seconded.
I will now put this proposal to the council for approval. All those agreed.
Councillor Beryl Blackmore has now been elected Mayor.
She will now read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which she will then sign.
I, Beryl Blackmore.
I, Beryl Blackmore, have been elected to the Office of Mayor of Raxson County Borough Council,
declare that I take that office upon myself and will duly and full faithfully fulfill the duties of it
according to the best of my judgement and ability.
I undertake to observe the code for the time being as to the conduct which is expected
of members of Raxson County Borough Council and which may be reviewed from time to time.
Councillor CUNNING has been appointed Deputy Mayor.
She will now read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which she will then sign.
Councillor CUNNING has now been appointed Deputy Mayor.
She will now read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which she will then sign.
I, Tina Mannering, have been elected to the Office of Deputy Mayor of Raxson County Borough Council,
declare that I take the office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties
of it according to the best of my judgement and ability.
I, under the authority of Raxson County Borough Council,
declare that I take the office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties
of it according to the best of my judgement and ability.
I undertake to observe the code for the time being as to conduct which is expected
of members of Raxson County Borough Council and which may be revised from time to time.
Having accepted office the newly elected Mayor and newly appointed Deputy Mayor
must be invested with their chains of office and we will retire to do this.
[ Silence ]
[ Silence ]
Please be seated.
[ Silence ]
The newly elected Mayor will now be invested with the chains of office.
[ Silence ]
[ Silence ]
[ Silence ]
The newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tina Manning, will now have her chains put on office by the May Sparrow.
[ Silence ]
[ Silence ]
The newly elected Mayor will now place a past Mayor's medallion upon the retired Mayor.
[ Silence ]
The newly elected Mayor will now address the Council.
[ Silence ]
Thank you to Luke, Ketting and Rachel Edwards and Luke Gallagher from the Civic Team for all their support.
It's been very much appreciated. Thank you, Jarezi, for your support.
This last year as my consort, I am very pleased that you fell able to continue during the mayoral year.
We have really enjoyed the variety of events and challenges, probably in particular the men's cycle race.
It was all nosley at odds.
Many thanks to Councillor Andy Williams and to Luke who isn't here today for their dedication and enthusiasm as Mayor and consort over the year.
It's not been an easy task as the Council faced making many cutbacks which have affected our residents,
but Andy's tireless energy during the many projects he has visited, civic occasions and fundraising events organized
has given the residents a rex of a welcome boost.
I know he is very well respected.
Congratulations to Councillor Tina Manning as she becomes Deputy Mayor and to Michael Jones, her consort.
I am confident they will both enjoy the challenges.
My chosen charities for the year reflect my many years of working in child care sector and volunteering with young people.
And lately my commitment to the older generation.
They are bowel cancer, thinking of Johnny Radcliffe, DIPG which is unbeatable either,
and Retina blastoma which is eye cancer.
To lose a child or to see a child cope with cancer treatment is heartbreaking.
And finally, as a dementia friendly city supporting this charity is my last choice.
Dorothy and I see daily the sad symptoms of family and friends forgetting who we are.
I hope over the year you will all find time to join us, in particular at the mayor's dinner October the 4th, save the date.
So just to conclude, a very short history lesson.
I believe Tina and I are making history as female mayor and deputy.
Looking back, the first lady mayor was a lady called Elizabeth Garrett.
In 1908 she lived in Suffolk.
She was also the first female to qualify as a doctor.
She had to go to France to train.
The men of society felt that women were far too weak to take a profession.
To my WI friends here today, she was a suffragette.
Ladies of the council, I know we have a lot to thank the suffragettes for.
It's our year.
And gentlemen of the council, there's a saying in guiding, be prepared.
You have been warned.
Dear from thou.
I would like now to call upon deputy mayor to address the council.
Madam mayor, mayor S, fellow councillors, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.
Myself and Michael would like to thank councillor David A. Bittle, the deputy leader of the council, for proposing me as deputy mayor and Michael as my consort for the coming term 2024-2025 period.
I have known David for many years, not only as a friend, but as someone who took me under their wing in 2017, when I first became a councillor.
He mentored me with kindness and encouragement and continues to do so.
I've learnt a lot from his wisdom and his knowledge, especially his patience, which is something that does not come easy to me.
I often want things done yesterday.
Thank you David.
I would also like to thank Mark Prichard, the leader of the council, for his support in seconding the proposal.
Mark's open door policy, support and listening ear, has helped me greatly, especially of late, for this I'm grateful.
Thank you, Mark.
A big thank you goes out to the residents of both Gursselt East and Gursselt South.
Although I now only serve Gursselt East, I will always be grateful for the residents of both wards,
who supported me to begin my journey in 2017.
Without you, I wouldn't have this opportunity and honour today.
Thank you all.
Dear colleagues and members of the council, I would like to thank you for recommending myself for this prestigious honour of becoming Deputy Mayor.
I would also like to take a moment to thank all of the parties, regardless of political allegiances,
for working alongside me and always treating me with respect and dignity.
We are stronger together. Thank you all.
I would like to thank my friends and family for attending today and for always supporting my life's choices.
Having you walk beside me makes me smile and makes life smile.
I would like to thank Michael for accepting the role as consort and agreeing to support the honour and role that Deputy Mayor and Consort brings for the next two years.
Thank you.
Can I thank the civic team, Rachel Edwards, Luke Gallagher and Luke Keckelwell, for all the advice and support received.
I look forward to working with you all in the coming years. Thank you.
I need to thank the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Andy Williams and Consort Luke Williams who unfortunately couldn't be here today due to work duties.
You're going to be a very hard act to follow.
You've gone above and beyond in your duties and you've earned a good rest, hopefully somewhere hot.
Thank you both for your dedication and commitment to Rexham as a whole. Thank you Andy.
Madam Mayor and Mayor S, may I congratulate you on your new position, offer you my full support and say how much I'm looking forward to working with you both.
I hope you enjoy your time and thank you for your continued commitment to Rexham and its residents.
Both Michael and myself will do our very best to support you and serve Rexham.
We hope to bring joy and benefit to the residents and communities of Rexham as a whole.
Thank you very much.
I would now like to call upon Councillor Mark Prichard to propose the vote of thanks to the retired Mayor.
Thank you very much.
Fellow Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate Councillor Bethel Blackmore and Councillor Tina Manner.
As our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, I know they will do a fantastic job for the people of Rexham.
I look forward to supporting them over the coming year.
On the behalf of all of us, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Councillor Andy Williams as outgoing Mayor of Rexham.
Andy previously served as Mayor between 2018 and 2019 and did an incredible job.
Andy previously served as...
You'll have to excuse me and follow the call. I do apologise.
Andy previously served as Mayor between 2018 and 2019 and did an incredible job.
So when he agreed to serve a second term, we knew he would bring a huge amount of energy and passion
to the role because he never gives anything less than 100%.
He attended over 260 engagements in the past year,
checking part in community events and helping to champion local businesses within Rexham and North Wales.
He also raised vital funds for his chosen charities, which are and include Bloodbikes, Nightingale House,
Wales, Air Ambience and Guide Dogs Company.
He also had... has he had time to sleep? I doubt it.
He never stops.
Andy is a people's person who thrives on helping others and has been...
and that has been his approach and it reflects in the role of the Mayor.
In fact, Andy spent so much time helping others, he really needs 25 hours in a day and eight days in a week.
He's a firefighter, a bloodbike rider and a first responder for Welsh Ambience and he works tirelessly for his community in so many ways.
But most of all, he is a good friend to all who know him, a good man and he's been a great Mayor.
Of course, I would like to thank his contours and his son, Luke.
Luke has been a constant President during the Mayoralty, engagements giving up time to support his Dad and the people of Rexham.
Luke is an amazing young man who shares his father's kindness and passion for helping others and Andy is rightly very proud of him.
Both Andy and Luke have been fantastic for the city of the county borough.
We have worked tirelessly so hard and done so much and have represented Rexham with pride and passion.
So on behalf of everybody in the chamber, it will cost the community of Rexham, a big thank you from all of us.
I... excuse me, I hope you both enjoy your well deserved rest.
Some time to recharge your batteries after putting an incredible shift over the past year.
So I'd like to formally propose a vote of thanks to retiring Mayor, Council Andy Williams and his son and consort, Luke Williams.
Dioff, thank you.
Do we have a seconder?
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
It's my pleasure to second the vote of thanks.
Councilor Andy Williams has done a tremendous job for Rexham County borough and I thank you Andy.
Thank you very much.
A vote of thanks to the retired Mayor has been proposed and seconded.
I will now put the motion to the Council for the approval.
All agreed.
I would now call upon the retired Mayor, Councilor Andy Williams, to respond.
I forgot to bring the bell today, so I'm hoping I'll keep my speech in the five minutes, which I've made you allow to for the last 12 months.
Firstly, my son, Luke, who was currently six weeks into his 14-week course to qualify as a full-time firefighter serving the communities of North Wales, has asked me to extend his apologies for not being able to be with us today as he's unable to be released from his course.
Despite his absence, I couldn't be proud of him.
He has generously accompanied me on my visits and allowed him to experience so many things around Rexham that he may not have encountered otherwise.
Despite his own commitments, he has selflessly dedicated his time to assist me at engagements for which I'm totally grateful.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as Mayor, once again, and it has been an extraordinary journey for me.
I will be ever grateful for the opportunity to lead and represent this remarkable county.
It is a tremendous pride and gratitude that I stand before you today reflecting on the incredible journey I have had as Mayor of Rexham for the second serving time.
Serving this remarkable county has been an honour beyond words, and I'm filled with deep appreciation for the opportunities that have come my way during my 12 months.
My two terms of office couldn't be more different, from watching our unknown town slowly deteriorate with shops closing to this year opening a new business nearly every other week and our new city for this global branding.
Rexham, our beloved county, holds so many special places in my heart.
It's rich, vibrant history and it's vibrant communities and bandwidth's potential never cease to amaze me.
Over the course of my term, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable spirit and resilience of the people of Rexham.
It is the spirit that truly sets our county apart from others.
As Mayor, I have had the pleasure of celebrating along countless local businesses and producers who contribute to the economy, prosperity and cultural tapestry of Rexham.
Their dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are our success.
Every business I visited was just as important to me as an ex, whether it be a small family-run business or a multi-million-pound company.
Rexham needs each and every one of these to be interwoven together to help us grow into a bigger city than we are now.
I'm promoting the national... I'm promoting...
I'm promoting these and other businesses is something that I will continue to do through social media after my role of mayor has finished.
But our county is not all about business and commerce.
It is about people, compassionate, caring individuals who come together to support one another and make a difference in their lives and other people lives that are less fortunate.
I had the privilege of speaking with almost every charity group and organisation within the county borough.
I have been deeply inspired by their unwavering commitment to serve their community.
The selfless acts of kindness and generosity embody the true essence of Rexham's spirit.
I have had visits from every scout, cub, breathers, brownies, rainbows and school councils throughout the borough.
That has brought over a thousand children through the Guildhall for visits to learn about the history of Rexham.
I have had the honour of handing over a naval ship, HMS Dragon, which has been affiliated with Rexham and attending many countless military events around the area.
Together we've accomplished so much building stronger communities, fostering economic growth and promoting social justice and equality.
Yet there's still so much more is at my bell.
Yet there's still so much more that we can... that can be done.
And in confident that as a collective determination of resilience we can continue to overcome challenges that come our way and this should be regardless of political standing.
As I look to the future I'm fulfilled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead.
Together let us continue championing and greatness of Rexham, celebrate now diversity and striving to make our county an even better place than it is now for generations to come.
Being mayor of the city has been... has been catapulted to the will platform and everyone... everybody wants to meet the mayor, both in the county and in the wider UK.
And it's important to grasp all these opportunities that our county ambassadors to fly the flag for Rexham High by spreading our winds further afielders mayor and helping secure investments and funding which will result in the town to be more prosperous.
My last term of office, of which my main question was asked by the children, do I live in a castle or have I gotten helicopter has been replaced this year by having met Robin Ryan.
We are so much to look forward to in the coming years from Rexham AFC Stadium development, the whole gateway project being completed, the National Steadford returning, focus wheels continuing to grow, new Rexham 10K, Rexham Museum and Rexham Football Museum, Utopia City, Rexham Industrial State Development and all of the types of new industry wanting to trade here now we are a global entity.
And hopefully when in city culture which we nearly clinched last time.
I've had the pleasure of working alongside the law of lieutenant to high sheriffs and managed to support my four charities whilst still working full time and volunteering under the duties.
I've taken ownership of the incredible mayor's charity cup which is on the end of the dais, which has been kindly made by clog guy in Wales of solid silver to help Rexham AFC football legends and various football clubs in Rexham to raise money
for the years to come for the mayor's charities.
Beryl Dot, Tina and Michael, if I can give you one piece of advice it would be be yourself and give 110%.
I would send in many engagements as I can and you'll see what all good happens in the county.
It can bring a tiring role but smile and treat every engagement you attend as if it's your first.
Always go up and say hi to people because sometimes people will see the chain and be too shy to come up and say hi to you.
You will all be amazing ambassadors for the county and I wish you well.
Please, Beryl, wear your chain of office with pride.
Now it's something ages to do this.
Each link on your chain is inscribed with three past mayor's names and you'll be pleased to know I'm not going to name them all.
These form from William Aston to Philip York, the second squire of Erdigg to William Solns, the famous brewer.
On the mayor's chain you have four mayors that have been knighted, two Knight Templars, the first lady mayor,
solicitors, publishers, writers, editors, architects and engineers, chemists, doctors and GPs.
One of the most famous surgeons in Wales was also mayor and he performed the first operation in Wales with Anesthetic.
Brewers, landlords, wine merchants, mill, mine and leather workers.
A lieutenant of the Prince of Wales volunteer horse strong fire brigade.
A mayor who worked on the white star lines which is on which owns Titanic.
The owner of rex and football club, football directors, past presidents, captains and football players all bear their names on your chain of office.
Even the clerk of the race course when it raised horses is on your chain.
So it is a truly historical chain that you're now wearing and it will take you both on a journey in years to come where people in the future will talk about your good work that you've done during your year.
A big thank you to everybody that's helped me in my year of office.
I would now like to take a few minutes to give you a whirlwind trip of the events that I attended on the screen.
Thank you.
[Music]
This place is where I'm from. Familiar faces in the accents like a song.
Peace up and travel in places that don't be longer. Spending days are being a stranger.
Times lost when you're on a range and I've been on some this year. It all seems quite the name.
[Music]
This place is skies and schemes for this plenty of people filled in all times.
So this are the ones waiting behind the scenes I know gives me a smile, gives me a shiver.
When I think of being still out of the river everyone's on stake with this place you need to give up.
So if you feel it's a good sign of the games you play, have a local rain on it's another day.
We should know it to be in a different place to go ahead of the place, but you are all to this place.
So raise your glass to this place.
You are all to this place.
[Music]
Every night on my dreams I see you. I feel you. That is how I know you go.
[Music]
[Music]
Could George Jones come forward please to present a bouquet to the New Mayor Councillor Beryl Blackmore.
[Applause]
Could Sarah Roberts come forward please present a bouquet to the New Mayor S. Mrs. Dorothy Lloyd.
[Applause]
Could Morgan Bickerton come forward please to present a bouquet to the New Deputy Mayor Councillor Tina Ninering.
[Applause]
I now declare the meeting adjourned until 4 p.m. tomorrow, and I am pleased to invite you to join me for refreshments in the committee rooms.
Thank you for attending the meeting, Diach and Val.
[Applause]
