Agenda item

To adopt a resolution of appreciation for the ex-Mayor (Councillor Peter Callow).

It was proposed by Councillor Clapham, seconded by Councillor Galley and

Resolved:

‘It is with great pleasure, that Blackpool Council places on record its appreciation of the duties so very ably and enthusiastically undertaken by Councillor Peter Callow, as Mayor of Blackpool.  His dedication for the town, together with his many years of service on the Council have stood him in good stead for his year as Blackpool’s civic head.

The Blackpool Mayoralty again maintained its status as a busy one this year with a variety of civic engagements. 

Peter and Maxine began the mayoral year with the Royal Garden Party in London and a visit to 12^th Regiment Royal Artillery near Portsmouth. 

Throughout the year they attended many high profile local events such as the Pride Launch, Princes Trust Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Awards as well as attending many school and institute events.

Blackpool still attracts a large number of conferences and the Mayor and Mayoress attended a variety of annual gatherings such as; National Pensioners Convention, UK Bus Driver of the Year Awards, WMCIU, Royal Pigeon Racing Association, USDAW and the World Ballroom Dancing Congress to name a few.

Many Ex-Service organisations still hold their Annual Reunions in Blackpool and Peter and Maxine attended reunions of the Canal Zoners, the Royal Artillery Association, Aden Veterans, the Royal Air Force Association and the HMS Penelope Association.  National Armed Forces Week, during June, was again a great success attracting thousands of visitors to the town and the Mayor and Mayoress attended a variety of events during the week.

This February also saw the Council Chamber and the Mayoralty hosting the Army Recruitment team and new army recruits at their Junior Oaths of Allegiance proving a proud and moving event for all involved.

Town Twinning played a significant part in this mayoral year with a visit from Oberbuergmeister Bernd Tischler and his delegation for mayor making. Blackpool Council then received a prestigious invitation for Peter, Maxine and the Leader, Simon to attend a special Bottrop Council meeting in Bottrop Town Hall in celebration of 35 years of Town Twinning between the two towns.  The Blackpool visitors were the first foreigners to partake in a Bottrop Council meeting and there was great interest shown in the Blackpool Delegation and full press coverage.

Peter took great pleasure in welcoming our new citizens to the town at the many very popular Citizenship Ceremonies that were held throughout the year. 

This year, the Mayor chose the Fylde Carers Trust as his charity to benefit from the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and he raised a large amount of charitable donations this year.

A special reference has to be made to the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, Tony and Angela, for their support and contribution to this mayoral year and to Rev Dr Simon Cox who acted as Mayor’s Chaplain and has assisted at Council Meetings and other civic events.

This resolution would not be complete without particular reference to the Mayoress, Maxine, who supported Peter at all major events throughout the year.

To Peter and Maxine, Blackpool Council places on record its sincere appreciation of their services as Mayor and Mayoress, and expresses the hope that memories of their mayoral year will stay with them forever.

The Council extends to them both, every good wish for the future.’