(a)

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

congratulated Her Majesty the Queen on becoming the longest reigning monarch on 9 September 2015 and indicated that on behalf of the Council he had sent a letter offering the Council’s congratulations and best wishes for many more years of service to the country and commonwealth; 

(b)

Mr Richard Mahony (former councillor)

referred to the recent death of his father Mr Richard Mahony who served as a Conservative councillor for the Trelawny Ward from 1983 to 1991.  The Lord Mayor thanked everyone who had sent kind messages and condolences to both him and his mother;

(c)

Mr Ernest Alexander Colley (former councillor)

reported that Mr Ernest Alexander Colley had recently passed away unexpectedly.  Mr Colley had served as a Labour councillor for the Drake Ward from 1991 – 2000.  The Lord Mayor indicated that the funeral arrangements would be sent to all councillors and Aldermen as soon as he became aware of them.

The Council stood in silence as a mark of respect for the former councillors;

(d)

Filming in the Council House

referred to the changes to the Council House and the Reception Room which were as a consequence of the Council House and Civic Centre being used as a set for a film byBritish comedy filmmaker Peter Richardson entitled ‘The Comic Strip Presents…The Red Top!’.  Councillors were advised that filming was due to end in early October when the Council House would return to its normal appearance. 

The Lord Mayor also reminded councillors that the Antiques Roadshow filmed in the Royal William Yard had yet to be shown;

(e)

Success of Plymouth’s Special Olympians 

congratulated Steven Dodd on his silver medals in the 200m and 500m kayak events and Elizabeth Haywood on her silver medal in the badminton women’s doubles event and for coming fourth in the women’s singles event in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.   The Lord Mayor advised that the athletes had had an open top bus tour around the city on 14 September which had been followed by a civic reception.

The Lord Mayor also acknowledged the tremendous support, hard work and dedication of Alan and Maureen Stockdale who had given continuous support and encouragement throughout and Steven Dodd on behalf of the Special Olympians, addressed councillors and presented flowers and gifts to Alan, Maureen and Adrian Stockdale;

(f)

Royal Town Planning Institute Award for the Plymouth Plan

congratulated all those involved in the development of the Plymouth Plan on the award of the National Royal Town Planning Institute Award for Excellence in Plan Making Practice and the South West Regional Planning Award and presented the awards to Jonathan Bell (Head of Development Planning), Richard Grant (Local Planning Team Manager), Hannah Sloggett (Neighbourhood Planning Team Manager) and Caroline Marr (Policy and Business Planning Officer) who were representing everyone involved;

(g)

Observer Ethical Award for Plymouth Energy Community 

congratulated Plymouth Energy Community on the national award to the city of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25