“In the three months since we last met in this chamber, there have been some sad losses to this Borough, and I start my announcements this evening by paying tribute to two memorable people within our Borough.

We learnt of the passing of former Councillor John Newberry.  John was a Brentwood Borough Councillor for Brentwood West, elected with myself and Cllr Francois, back in 2014 and served until 2018. A former police officer, he had a kind and caring approach to his work as a councillor and was well-liked and respected by all who served with him.

Then we have the loss of John Wyndham. He was not only the Founder of the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, but also a Freeman of this Borough a role that he was appointed to by this Council in 2015 as a testament to his dedication to this community. 

He was an inspiration to so many in Brentwood, a dedicated servant of our borough and always great company. He will be missed not just by everyone involved in Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, but anyone who has ever experienced their amazing contributions to us all.

As a testament to the contribution of these two great servants of Brentwood, instead of a minutes silence this evening, I would like to ask all present to pay tribute to these men with a minutes applause.

It is now four months since I was formally elected as Mayor and I have been delighted to meet so many of the Community and beyond. With many engagements and experiences since our last Ordinary Council meeting in June, it has been an exciting time. I would like to thank the Deputy Mayor for also attending a number of engagements on my behalf also during this time.    

Of note, I had an amazing experience spending time with both of our Town Twinning Organisations when during the Summer.  I visited Roth in Germany and Montbazon in France. I was honoured to represent the Borough as first citizen during these visits and participate in some insightful, interesting and occasionally challenging activities.  I would like to thank my respective hosts Thomas and Gertraud, and Eric, Sophie, Max and Pauline, for the kindness and all of the citizens of our twinned communities for the warm welcome I received. A special thanks as well to the officials at Roth and Sylvie, the Mayor of Montbazon.

It was a pleasure to attend Brentwood Town FC, see their fantastic FA Cup Preliminary Round victory and understand their community impact. It was also a notable experience to meet members of Brentwood Rugby Club for the opening match of their season (again a victory for Brentwood), and see first-hand their ethos and impact – I am also pleased to be wearing their club tie today.

I was honoured to join Deputy Lord Lieutenant Professor Michael Almond, Major Bold of the USAF, West Horndon Parish Council, and the wider Brentwood community to remember the loss of two American aircrews whose planes crashed near West Horndon. We remembered their bravery, service and sacrifice, remaining indebted to them for all that they gave to our country. It was also pleasing to join the community, fellow Councillors and our Ukrainian guests at Vespers for Ukraine at Brentwood Cathedral in late August.

I also enjoyed attending the Family Fun Days, which was so well attended and was enjoyed by so many families in the Borough, with tributes to be paid to our own leisure team and the sponsors who helped make it possible.

I am looking forward to the next few months ahead, especially where I will take on a very important Civic role at the Remembrance Sunday Parade where we will pay tribute to all those who fought for our Country and future.”