“Since we last met in this chamber for an Ordinary Council, there have been some sad losses to this Borough, and I start my announcements this evening by paying tribute to:

Ron Chapman, a local jeweller, who created much of the Mayoral Civic Regalia including the impressive mace before me back in 1993 when this Council became a Borough. He sadly passed away at 96 years old and we thank him for his contributions to our civic life.    

Peter Franklin who was a real regarded former Shenfield Councillor elected back in 2002, who left us late in January. Several former Councillors and civic leaders have expressed how highly they thought of him.

And it is with great sorrow that we lost, just last week, Alderman Alan Davies. Alan served as a Hutton East Councillor first elected in 1990, as well as being one of my predecessors as Mayor of Brentwood. When Alan was a Councillor, he chaired both Planning and Policy Committees, was a great advocate for his community, and, frankly, he was just a good man. 

While I never served with him as a Councillor, I was honoured to have proposed him as an Alderman, and he made a surprisingly large impact on my own approach to being a Councillor through his kindness and encouragement. I know several members here feel the same. I believe all of our thoughts are with Cllr Mrs Davies and her family at this time.

Please, can we all stand and pay our respects with a minute of silence?

In January, I had the honour of attending Holocaust Memorial events in and outside of the Borough to represent our community in remembering the lessons of the Holocaust. These were very moving events, where I heard personal and family stories of the impact of these terrible events while noting the challenges still being faced by the Jewish Community. It is so important that we remember the Holocaust - and the other genocides which have followed it – and work to make sure never again, really means never again.

On a lighter note, I was also delighted to be able to support our Montbazon and Landkreis Roth town twinning associations at fundraising events.

In February, I hosted a Charity Curry Night in aid of my chosen charities.  Thank you to those who attended for your support.  I was pleased to raise almost £700 at this event.  

On Monday of this week, I was honoured to raise the Commonwealth Day flag which was presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming Charity event on 23rd March – Swinging Sixties night at the Army Reserve Centre and Brentwood’s Civic Dinner on 5th April where I will be delighted to officially bestow the honorary title of Alderman and Alderwoman, as well as the Civic Awards and the installation of the first Mayor’s Cadet for Brentwood.

To those not standing for election in May, I thank you for your contribution in the Chamber and over the past municipal year – and for those up for re-election, I wish you all the appropriate level of luck.  For everyone here - thank you for your respect, appropriate conduct and efforts to make a better Brentwood for everyone.

Lastly, as this is her last Ordinary Council meeting, I would like to thank Emily Yule for all her hard work over the last 18 months and wish her all the success in her new role.”  

Members in the chamber gave words of condolence following the Mayors announcements.

Cllrs Russell and Aspinell gave thanks to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor over the past municipal year.