Minutes:
(a) Mr Peter Hart
(1) The Chairman stated that it was with regret that he had to inform Members of the death of Mr Peter Hart, former Conservative Member for Gravesham Number 3 Division from 1977 to 1981. Mr Hart’s service of thanksgiving had taken place on Friday 15th March 2019.
(2) Ms Marsh and Dr Sullivan paid tribute to Mr Hart.
(b) Mr John Frisby
(3) The Chairman stated that it was with regret that he had to inform Members of the death of Mr John Frisby, former Liberal Democrat Member for Maidstone Central Division from 1989 to 2005. Mr Frisby’s service of thanksgiving would take place on Friday 22nd March 2019.
(4) Mrs Dean and Mr Daley paid tribute to Mr Frisby.
(5) Following all of the tributes, all Members stood in silence in memory of Mr Hart, Mr Frisby and the victims of the recent terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand.
(6) After the one-minute silence the Chairman moved, the Vice-Chairman seconded, and it was resolved unanimously that:
“This Council records the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of Mr Hart and Mr Frisby and extends to their family and friends our heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavements.”
(c) 75th Anniversary of D Day Landings
(7) The Chairman reminded Members that Thursday 6 June 2019 would mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
(8) To mark this momentous occasion, the Royal British Legion and Arena Travel had chartered a ship to enable 300 veterans to sail to Normandy and take part in the commemorations. The ship would leave port at Dover on Sunday 2 June 2019 and travel to Poole and Portsmouth for ceremonial events before moving on to Le Havre and a coach trip to the Operation Overlord beaches, SWORD and GOLD.
(9) The Chairman stated that he was delighted to announce that one of Kent’s veterans, Stanley Elliss, had been successful in securing a place on the chartered ship.
(d) The Kent Foundation
(10) The Chairman reminded Members that he was a trustee of The Kent Foundation which delivered a range of free business support services to Kent’s Young Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. The Foundation prided itself on delivering a bespoke service. Kent Foundation Staff met every young person on a one to one basis to find out more about them, their business ideas and their vision for the future.
(11) The Chairman welcomed the Kent Foundation Chairman, Julian Kirkness, and Ellie Cachia and Miranda Haston, young entrepreneurs, who had benefited from The Kent Foundation services.
(12) Mr Kirkness, Ms Cachia and Ms Haston were invited to address the County Council and briefly explained the role of the Kent Foundation and the benefit provided to young entrepreneurs in Kent.
(e) Platinum Award to KCC from the KM Charity Partnership
(13) The Chairman announced that the KM Charity Partnership Awards had been held on Thursday 7 March 2019. The awards were a celebration and recognition of KM Charity partners supporting the KM Charity Teams including initiatives such as Walk to School and Green School Awards.
(14) The Chairman drew Members attention to the special recognition Platinum Award which Kent County Council had received for having worked with the KM Charity for over ten years, which was displayed at the front of the Council Chamber.