Issue - meetings

Mr J A Davenport

 

The Chairman reported with sadness the death on 27 July 2009 of former County Councillor Jim Davenport aged 85 years.

 

Mr Davenport had been elected to the Council in 1985 and had served until 1997 representing the Market Bosworth Electoral Division.  He had served mainly on the Finance and General Purposes, Policy and Resources, Resources and Investment Committees in each case serving for periods as the Conservative Group Spokesman.

 

Members joined the Chairman in standing in silent tribute to the memory of Mr Jim Davenport.

 

Special Olympics

 

As an Ambassador for the Special Olympics, the Chairman indicated that he had been delighted to learn that two young men in the care of Leicestershire County Council had won medals at the Special Olympics held in July. 

 

Bradley Folkard, aged 15, had won 2 gold medals and a silver medal in the equestrian events; and James Wright, aged13, had won a total of 6 gold and silver medals in gymnastics. 

 

Members joined the Chairman in extending congratulations to Bradley and James.

 

Events Over The Summer

 

The Chairman invited members to join him in acknowledging a tremendously successful Summer for some of the County Council’s visitor attractions, as follows:-

 

○       Bosworth Battlefield had its most successful re-enactment in 25 years with over 5,300 people attending the event in August; 

 

○       the Wood Fair at Beacon Hill had attracted 5,400 visitors (double last year’s attendance); 

 

○       the second Miners’ Gala at Snibston held last Saturday had attracted 3,400 people, another significant increase; and

 

○       the launch of the Harborough Museum with the wonderful new gallery featuring the Hallaton Treasure had attracted 2,500 visitors.

 

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman between them had been able to attend those events and had seen for themselves how successful they had been. 

 

Overall more than 16,500 visitors had enjoyed the County Council’s country parks and heritage in the space of just three weeks.  The excellence of the country parks had been recognised recently and the Chairman had been delighted to present Green Flag Awards, which are given to the best green spaces in the country, to both Beacon Hill and Market Bosworth Country Parks.

 

The Chairman, felt sure that he spoke for all members in expressing gratitude to everyone who helped make those events so successful.

 

County Council Fun Day

 

The Chairman took the opportunity to congratulate County Council staff who had participated and supported the County Council's Fun Day which had taken place on 12th August. 

 

A total of 16 teams had travelled from across the County to compete in the Gladiator-style events, which included bungee runs, human bar football, and rodeo riding.  The eventual winners were the Vamps and Tramps team from Corporate Resources.  

 

With an emphasis on fun, the event had raised £2,500 for Wishes 4 Kids.

 

Visitors

 

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting all visitors and guests of members.