Agenda item

The Chairman stated that since the last meeting of the County Council he had continued to carry out his civic engagements with pride.  He thanked the Vice-Chairman and Lady, Councillor Mike and Jackie Brookes for representing him and his Lady at civic functions when they had not been able to attend.

He was pleased to report that this year's Lincolnshire Show had been a huge success and attracted many visitors from far and wide with the County Council winning the award for the Best Non-Agricultural Stand.

The Chairman thanked all who attended the annual County Council Service of Dedication in Lincolnshire in Lincoln Cathedral, and was delighted that the Lincolnshire Youth Orchestra was able to play before and after the Service.  It was a most pleasurable event for the Chairman and Lady and they received many positive comments following the Service.

The Chairman advised that during his term he would be focussing on the importance of skills, he had been delighted to see at first hand some of the important work the Council was doing to up skill its employees and residents, and meet some of the learners involved.

In June, the Chairman was privileged to attend the Council's Apprentice Graduation afternoon which took place in the Newland Room at County Offices, where he presented certificates to the 12 employees who had successfully completed a Business Administration Apprenticeship through the Business Support Administration Apprenticeship programme.  At the Lincolnshire Show, he presented Learner of the Year awards to three adult learners, nominated by their tutors for their hard work and commitment to learning.

In July, the Chairman was guest of honour at St. Peter at Gowts Primary School, and also he and his Lady attended Bracebridge Nursery & Infants School in Lincoln and he presented certificates to parents who had been attending Family Learning Courses delivered by the Council.

He reported that the following week he would be attending as Guest of Honour, a Learning Celebration Event hosted by Community Learning in Practice (CLIP), in Market Rasen to celebrate learners' successes and present certificates and awards for the year 2018-2019.

On a sadder note, the Chairman reported the deaths of the following former county councillors:

·         Graham Wheat who represented the Grantham North electoral division from May 1989 until June 2009 and served as Chairman of the Council from May 2002 to May 2003.

·         Peter Bray who represented the Spalding Elloe electoral division from May 1989 until May 2005 and served as Chairman of the Council from May 2003 to May 2004.

·         Graham Gooding who represented the Mablethorpe electoral division from June 2009 until May 2013.

·         Mrs Heather Judge who represented the Boston Fishtoft electoral division from May 1992 until May 2005 and served as Chairman of the Council from June 2001 to May 2002.

·         Air Commodore Nick Carter OBE who represented the Spalding South electoral division from 2001 until 2009 and served as Executive Councillor for Resources from May 2005 to June 2009.

The Chairman invited the Chamber to stand in silent tribute. A number of members paid tribute to the former county councillors.

The Chairman informed members that a complete itinerary of civic engagements since the last meeting were available from the Civic Officer on request.