A MEETING OF THE CIVIC AND COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS SUB-BOARD
WAS HELD ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2004
The Mayor (ex-officio) (P); Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board (Councillor Hook) (ex-officio); Councillors Allen, Carr (P), Carter (P), Dickson (P), Edgar (P), Farr (P), Mrs Salter (P) and Train
7. APOLOGIES
Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of Councillors Allen, Hook and Train.
8. MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Board held on 13 July 2004 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.
9. HONORARY FREEMEN MARCH – 28 OCTOBER 2004
Members were informed that all the Freemen had been contacted and advised that, as part of the 800th anniversary celebrations in the Borough, a Freedom March would be held on 28 October 2004. HMS Sultan would be responsible for the military aspect of the Parade with the Borough Council taking responsibility for the Civic input.
There was some confusion relating to the award of the Freedom of the Borough when given to a civilian organisation as opposed to the military or an individual. The Borough Solicitor advised that the Borough Council could award the honour to individuals, companies and Service Units but had no power to recognise successors. As far as Service Units were concerned, when changes took place it was possible to continue to recognise the Freedom award as the status remained unchanged; however, this was not always the case with commercial entities which were often taken over by unrelated companies.
It was proposed that a meeting should be held in due course to discuss any anomalies relating to existing Freemen of the Borough and to consider a way forward in respect of future requests.
Members were updated on the proposals for the Freedom Parade which included bands of the Royal Navy and Royal Logistic Corps together with static displays by all three Services. It was also hoped to include military vehicles from Fort Nelson together with the Steam Lorry from HMS Sultan.
Traders in the High Street had been approached with a request that they become involved in the day with a view to offering a welcome to all those involved in the Parade. Explosion! Museum and the Submarine Museum had agreed to allow each participant free admission to the Museums either on the day or at a future date and it was proposed to produce a voucher for distribution.
Consideration was also given to the possibility of providing refreshments for all participants. It was agreed that, in view of the likely numbers involved, this would not be a feasible option. It was reported, however, that an offer had been received from a local catering concern who would be willing to sell hot drinks on the day with a contribution being made to the Mayor’s charity. It was agreed that any licensing and highways issues should be investigated with a view to the implementation of this offer.
RESOLVED: That –
(i) the arrangements for the Freedom Parade on 28 October be approved;
(ii) investigations be made as to the feasibility of a local catering company providing refreshments to the participants; and
(iii) a meeting be set up in due course to consider any anomalies relating to existing Freemen and the way forward in respect of future requests.
10. FALKLANDS VETERANS ASSOCIATION – PROPOSED FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH
Members were advised that a proposal had been put forward to grant the Freedom of the Borough to the Falklands Veterans Association in view of the fact that Gosport was the only place in the country who had formally acknowledged the Veterans by commemorating both the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the conflict.
It was suggested that 24 August 2005 would be a fitting date to hold such a Freedom Ceremony in the Falkland Gardens as this would be the last day of the 800th Anniversary of the Borough.
The Borough Solicitor advised that to take this matter forward, a report should be submitted to the Policy and Organisation Board setting out the reasons for the recommendation. This would be followed by a Special Meeting of Full Council to approve the recommendation and thereafter the formal Ceremony could take place in the Falkland Gardens.
RESOLVED: That a report be submitted to the Policy and Organisation Board setting out the proposal for the granting of the Freedom of the Borough to the Falklands Veterans Association, together with the reasons for the recommendation.
11. FUTURE FREEDOMS OF THE BOROUGH
Members were advised that a number of requests had been received for the Freedom of the Borough to be granted to various service/civilian organisations including the Royal Marines and the RAF Association.
It was agreed that all such requests should be considered in due course; however, in the meantime, a letter should be sent to the organisations who had submitted the requests setting out the criteria for receiving the Freedom and requesting documentary evidence in support of the requests.
RESOLVED: That a letter be sent to those organisations who had requested that they be granted the Freedom of the Borough requesting documentary evidence in support of their requests for future consideration.
12. PAINTING OF ROYAL YACHT
Members were advised that it was proposed to donate a copy of the painting depicting the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht to HMS Sultan for display in the Britannia Room. It was proposed to link this presentation to the 800th Anniversary by including a plaque stating that it was presented during the 800th anniversary year of the Borough.
RESOLVED: That the donation of a copy of the painting of the Royal Yacht to HMS Sultan be supported.
13. FOUNDERS DAY PARADE
Members wished to place on record their thanks to all those officers involved with the Founders Day Parade that was a tremendous success.
CHAIRMAN
