Issue - meetings

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

NOTED the announcements from the Mayor in relation to:

·                The deaths of former Councillor Pam Jordan and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with a minutes silence observed during the meeting.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)      Death of Former Councillor Pam Jordan

The Mayor announced it was with much sadness she had to begin by advising members of the death of former Councillor Pam Jordan, who had recently passed away at her home in Dollis Hill at the age of 90. Pam had served as a councillor representing Cricklewood ward from 1978 to 1982 and Willesden Green ward from 1986 to 1990. She had also served as a Governor and for almost a decade as Chair of the Corporation of the College of North West London as well as being a member on the Board of Tricycle Theatre Company for over three decades.

(ii)     Commemoration of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The Mayor also reflected on the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who she felt had been an outstanding public servant, dedicating his life in service of the country and the Commonwealth.  She felt he would be most remembered for his outstanding dedication and support to Her Majesty the Queen as well as for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which since its creation in 1956 had helped countless young people, including many in Brent.

The Mayor then invited those present online to observe a minute’s silence in memory of both former Councillor Pam Jordan and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The online meeting was then paused to observe a minute’s silence.

The Mayor then invited Councillors Crane and Long to give tribute to former Councillor Pam Jordan.

Councillor Crane advised that he would specifically remember Pam for the work undertaken in supporting equal opportunities and multiculturalism.  In terms of her career he highlighted her background in further education, lecturing at the College of North West London as well as serving on the Education Committee and later chairing the Further Education Sub-Committee.  She went on to become Deputy Leader of the Council, and he remembered had played an important role in stabilising the Council’s finances in the late 1980’s.  After leaving the Council, she became Chair of the College of North West London and during this time was honoured with an OBE.  He also remembered her love of reading and being a keen supporter of Brent’s local libraries as well as the instrumental role she had played in opening the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn and serving on its Board.

Councillor Long also paid tribute to Pam, remembering her efforts as Deputy Leader to stabilise the Council and as an active trade unionist.  Highlighting her passion and support for libraries, Councillor Long felt that she would have been delighted to see the incoming Mayor chose Cricklewood Library as one of her nominated charities.

As a final contribution, the Mayor then invited Councillor Hector to pay tribute to Pam whom she advised she had worked with at the College of North West London and was remembered for her efforts in supporting her colleagues.

The Mayor advised that this concluded her announcements and then moved straight on to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

NOTED the announcements from the Mayor in relation to:

·                Victory in Japan 75^th Anniversary commemoration

·                Death of former Councillor Tom McNicholas, with a minutes silence observed during the meeting

·                100^th birthday celebration

·                Face Mask social media campaign

The Mayor made the following announcements:

(i)      75^th Anniversary of VJ day

The Mayor advised that he, along with the Mayoress and Leader of the Council had been honoured to attend a wreath laying Ceremony on Saturday 15 August in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.  The ceremony, which had been held as a short socially distanced event at the memorial site in Barham Park had been organised by the British Legion and Mei Sim Lai as Deputy Lieutenant.

(ii)     Former Councillor Tom McNicholas

The Mayor announced that it was with regret he had to advise members of the death of former Councillor Tom McNicholas, who had passed away during the lockdown period just before his 92^nd Birthday.  He had served as a member of the Council in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with sincere condolences passed on to his family on behalf of Brent Council.

The Mayor then invited everyone to observe a minute’s silence in tribute and memory to former Councillor Tom McNicholas.

The online meeting was then paused to observe a minute’s silence

(iii)    100^th Birthday Celebration

On a happier note, the Mayor then moved on to congratulate Mrs Hilda Tichauer whom, he had been informed, had celebrated her 100^th Birthday on Tuesday 25^th August.

The Mayor advised that Mrs Tichauer and her sister (who had also lived to celebrate her 100^th birthday) had first come to England in February 1939 as refugees from Berlin and had lived in Kenton for over 61 years.

(iv)    Face Mask social media campaign

In concluding his announcements, the Mayor advised that he had recently filmed a short video organised by the Council’s communications team, highlighting the importance of wearing a face covering which had been used to reinforce the message on social media outlets.