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Commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of the amalgamation of the three towns: East Stonehouse, Devonport and Plymouth;   

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Royal Navy Partnership Agreement;

?

Illuminate 2014.

(a)

The commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the amalgamation of the three towns: East Stonehouse, Devonport and Plymouth.

reported that the City Council meeting had been held at Devonport Guildhall to mark the 100th anniversary.  The photograph of Plymouth Freemen and Alderman had been taken before the Council meeting, had been organised to replicate the photograph taken outside Devonport Guildhall in c. 1914.  He also advised that he was wearing the Devonport Chain of Office and the Devonport Mace was in place at the meeting and, at his invitation, the Mace Bearer provided further details on the Civic Regalia to the meeting.

At the invitation of the Lord Mayor, Mike Sullivan, Plymouth’s poet laureate read a poem that he had written to commemorate the centenary.

(b)

The Royal Navy Partnership Agreement.

welcomed Commodore Little (Naval Base Commander), Commodore Farrington (Commander Devonport Flotilla) and Brigadier Stickland (Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines) to the meeting for the signing of the agreement which was key to the city’s success.

Following the signing of the agreement, Commodore Little responded that the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines had an historic relationship with Devonport. The relationship with Plymouth had been strengthened in recent years and he was keen to promote Plymouth’s Ocean City and to develop and promote youth, veterans and serving members of the forces.

Commodores Little and Farrington and Brigadier Stickland left the meeting.

(c)

Former Councillor Valerie Burns

referred to the recent death of former Councillor Valerie Burns on 16 November 2014 and the Council stood in silence as a mark of respect;

(d)

Illuminate 2014

referred to the launch of the official countdown to Mayflower 400 – the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in 2020 – with Plymouth’s Illuminate 2014  event held the previous week.  He advised that a similar event had been held in Plymouth Massachusetts and footage from the city’s event was shown there.  He thanked everyone involved in the project especially the Mayflower Project Manager, Cathryn Baldanza, and the Mayflower 400 Leadership Team.

The Council was informed that all the destinations along the Mayflower trail (representing the original Pilgrim’s journey) would sign the Mayflower Compact and commit to work collaboratively together towards 2020.

(e)

Urbanism Awards - Devonport

informed the Council that Devonport was a finalist in the international Academy of Urbanism Awards and had been chosen as an example of regeneration best practice in the ‘Great Neighbourhood Award category’. 

(f)

Plymouth Energy Community Renewables

referred to the shortlisting of Plymouth Energy Community Renewables as an investee (with Ethex as investor) for the Investment Deal of the Year which recognised contributions towards the growth of social enterprises or the development of the movement as a whole. Both the investee and investor were being recognised and the winners would be announced on 26 November 2014.  The Council wished them success.

(g)

Customer Service Excellence award – Sports Development Unit

reported that the Sports Development Unit had maintained their Customer Service Excellence award in recognition of their high standard of customer service and their commitment to continuous improvement.

The Lord Mayor congratulated the Sports Development Unit and presented the award to Louise Kelley (Sports Development Manager), Martin Lees (Community Sports Manager), Barry Mountstevens (Sports Development Coordinator), Nyrene Dudley (Sport and Recreation Assistant) and Paul Johnson (Sport and Recreation Assistant) who were representing the unit.