“May I start by congratulating two Brentwood residents, Alex Gibson and Roy Tyzack on receiving an order of the British Empire (BEM) medal in the Kings Birthday Honours List.  Both of them have also been awarded Civic Awards in the past so we know of their contribution to the Borough too.   

It was an honour to be part of the Remembrance Day Parade as the Mayor of Brentwood. The event was humbling, and I was a privileged to represent the Borough of Brentwood, joined by the representatives from our local branch of the Royal British Legion, the military and the cadets and organisations.

Leading the parade of almost 600 people to the War Memorial and through the High Street was an occasion I will never forget, and I was proud to be the Mayor of this great Town.  The service followed at St Thomas’ Church allowed us to remember and never forget those who have fought and selflessly and gave their lives to our country.  Thank you to the organisers, with a personal note of thanks to the Council officers, and all those who supported the event to make it the success it was. 

We got into the festive spirits as I turned on the High Streets Christmas Lights at an event in the Baytree Centre – I would like to thank the performers, sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event happen. 

I was also pleased to present the winners of my Christmas Card and Poem competition at Larchwood Primary School and Willowbrook Primary School.  It was great to meet the well-deserved winners Kendra, Seb and Joshua.      

I also had the opportunity to enjoy my Civic Carol Service at St Peters South Weald Church last week. A big thank you to Reverend Dr Adrian McConnaughie, the bellringers, church volunteers and Brentwood residents who joined me. It was a great service surrounded by fellow Mayors and Chairman, Members and those in the community. It was so lovely to be joined by the impressive Church Choir, again by our poem competition winner Kendra and an absolutely brilliant performance by the choir of St Peters School on the evening. A special note of thanks also to Cllr Will Russell, without whom it would not have happened.

Since the last Ordinary Council meeting, I have hosted my first Charity Curry Night and Charity Quiz night raising money for my chosen charities, with thanks to former Cllr William Lloyd for hosting. I am pleased to announce that the events raised over £2,000 for my charities and also more than £1,000 for Winifred Dell Care Home in Warley.

I am also pleased to confirm, that for the Mayor’s Charities, we now have a Councillor cross party team to run Brentwood’s Half Marathon, joining myself will be Cllr Dr Tim Barrett, Cllr Will Russell and Cllr Jay Laplain. I am sure you will all be keen to sponsor us, if only to enjoy our collective suffering over several hours in March. 

In more exciting news, the Civic Star of Brentwood Awards nominations for 2023 are now open. Please do consider nominating or spreading the word so those individuals or organisations can be rewarded for their great achievements in our Borough.   

On a sadder note, tonight marks the last Committee meeting of our Director of Place, Phil Drane.  After 17 and a half years with us, we wish him all the luck in his new role with Barrow in Furness following his move to Cumbria with his family.  Phil has been a true asset to our Planning and Policy service and together with the strong team he has shaped have achieved great things in Brentwood and Rochford.  May I present Phil with a gift on behalf of the Council.  

He is always level-headed, dependable and a great project leader, a voice of calm in a sea of occasional chaos, successfully navigating difficult processes and projects which notably includes the Local Development Plan. 

We wish Phil and his family all the success for the future and will be greatly missed by Members and Officers across Brentwood and Rochford.   

I look forward to attending more events in and around the Borough in the new year. 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead.”