(a) Apologies for Absence
(b) Announcements
To consider any announcements by:
(i) the Chairman of the Council;
(ii) the Leader of the Council; and
(iii) any other Cabinet Member.
Minutes:
(a) Announcements by the Chairman of the Council
(i) Attendance at Events
The Chairman reported on his attendance at the Council's Summer Play Schemes at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club in Chigwell. He thanked all the staff involved in making the Play Schemes successful despite the indifferent weather conditions.
The Chairman advised that he had visited the sites in Epping Forest being improved by over 100 Explorer Scouts. He referred to the work they had undertaken to clear the pond at Snaresbrook.
The Chairman said he had enjoyed the 1940 Theme Mess function organised by the Epping and North Weald Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets held in the Control Tower at North Weald Airfield. The Chairman advised that the Air Cadets had waited on their guests and he had been very impressed with their attention to detail.
The Chairman reported on his attendance at the City Harvest Festival held at Capel Manor College which had celebrated the 13th anniversary of farming and community gardening in London. He advised that there were over 50 gardens and 17 farms throughout London which produced high quality food and cared for a variety of animals. He pointed out that they provided a great opportunity for children to experience the countryside and animals within London.
The Chairman said he had attended the "I Love Music Festival" held at the Council's District Museum. He advised that the event had been a great credit to Epping Forest Arts and the Museum.
The Chairman referred to his attendance at the signing of the Business Charter which had represented an important part of the Council's commitment to help sustain local businesses and to encourage residents to shop locally.
The Chairman said he had intended to take part in the Starlight Walk in Loughton in aid of St Clare Hospice and had been disappointed that the event had been cancelled due to a poor response. The previous year a similar event had raised £13,500 and the cancellation of this year's event would leave a gap in the Hospice's finances.
The Chairman expressed disappointment at the limited number of councillors who had volunteered to take part in the White Water Rafting event in aid of his charity. He reminded members that they could sponsor those taking part.
The Chairman reported on the Civic Lunch held at the Warren, at which an informed talk and walk through Epping Forest and a themed lunch had been well received. He advised that the event had raised approximately £300 for his charity.
The Chairman congratulated Councillor J M Whitehouse on finishing 10th in the Copped Hall Five Mile Run organised by the Epping Rotary Club.
Finally, the Chairman advised that the District Council had won the annual Petanque match with Epping Town Council and he presented the trophy to Councillor D Stallan.
(ii) Floral Display
The Chairman announced that he intended to send the flowers from tonight's meeting to St Clare Hospice.
(b) Announcements by the Leader of Council
The Leader advised that she had no announcements to make under this heading.
(c) Announcements by Portfolio Holders
The meeting noted that there were no announcements to be made under this heading.