Agenda item

The Chair thanked all Members and officers who helped with the Chair/Mayor coffee morning at the Town Hall on 30 November.   A lot of money had been raised for the Chair’s chosen charities.

On Monday 2 December the Chair was joined by Lyla O’Donovan to switch on the Christmas tree lights at County Hall.  Lyla, who was seven years old and from Ushaw Moor, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and had undergone nine operations and suffered multiple complications.  Despite all she had been through Lyla had kept on smiling and had gone out of her way to help other poorly children.

Last month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex presented Lyla with a Wellchild Award in recognition of her strength, bravery and generosity.  The Chair wished Lyla and her family a very merry Christmas.

The Chair’s Salvation Army Toy Appeal collection would run until 13 December.  Unwrapped presents could be placed under the Christmas tree in the Durham Room and the Chair urged Members to consider supporting this worthwhile cause.

Finally, the Chair reminded Members about the Christmas Carol Concert which was being held in the Durham Room on 5 December at 1.00 p.m.  The concert which would be facilitated by the Durham Music Service and would last for approximately one hour.  If attending, the Chair advised Members to arrive in good time to be seated by 12.45 p.m.