Agenda item

Chair's Announcements

Minutes:

Covid-19

 

The Chair informed Council that the coronavirus pandemic was one of the biggest challenges and that times were difficult indeed.  She expressed her condolences to all those who had lost loved ones and been impacted by Covid.

 

However, it was truly inspirational and a testament to the people of County Durham the way in which communities, local groups, organisations, charities and businesses across the County had responded to the pandemic.

 

Teams of volunteers had responded in a host of ways, from making and delivering meals on wheels to collecting prescriptions, walking dogs, delivering shopping and running food banks.

 

The Chair placed on record her sincere thanks to all communities for their amazing efforts.  She also placed on record her thanks to the Council’s Chief Executive, the Corporate Management Team, all staff and especially frontline workers for their hard work.

 

The Chair also made a special mention to those working in the NHS and Care Sector.

 

Chair’s Charity

 

The Chair informed Council that nearly £14,500 had been raised through a range of events and activities during her term of office.  This would be split between her two chosen charities, Age UK County Durham and the Cheesy Waffles Project.

 

The Chair placed on record her sincere thanks to everyone who had made a donation or held a fundraising activity to support her chosen charities.

 

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the Council had not held its Annual Meeting this year, and the Chair had continued in her role as Chair of the Council.

 

The Chair had now started raising money for the chosen charity of the Vice Chairman, Cllr Ossie Johnson, the Fire Fighters Charity.

 

Queen’s Birthday Honours

 

The Chair placed on record congratulations to all those people from County Durham who were acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, published earlier in the month.

 

This year’s list included those who had contributed and continue to contribute to the huge voluntary effort in response to COVID-19.