Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Evelyn Archer, John Barnes, Tina Clifford, Keran Farrow, John Gilbert, Charles Grattan, Janice Hanson, Emily Heath, Val Histed, Geoff Knight, Peter Robinson, John Whitelegg, Maia Whitelegg and Paul Woodruff.

To admit as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Lancaster, Mr. James Downham, who in the opinion of the Council is a person of distinction and as such befits the highest award given by the City Council being bestowed upon him, and in connection therewith to pass the necessary resolution under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Order of Proceedings

The ceremony will commence immediately following the Annual Council Meeting, when on the announcement of the Beadle all should stand to receive the Mayor and Chief Executive.

Once everyone is seated, the Mayor will call upon Councillor Abbott Bryning to propose the following motion:

“That in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government act 1972, this Council confers the Honorary Freedom of the City, the most honorable distinction which it is its privilege to bestow, upon Mr. James Downham, in recognition of his contribution to the local community and in particular his work with Lancaster Boys Club which has spanned over 75 years...…….”

The Mayor will then call upon Councillor Stuart Langhorn to second the Motion.

The Mayor will then put the Motion to the Council.

The Mayor will announce that he will be visiting Mr. Downham shortly on a date to be arranged when he will invite him to take the Oath of a Free Citizen and to subscribe to the Roll of Honorary Freemen, whereupon he will be presented with the Scroll of Honorary Freedom.

The Special Council Meeting will conclude with the removal of the Mace and playing of the National Anthem.

Members of the Council and Guests are requested to remain standing whilst the Mayoral Party leaves the Chamber.

Members may then disrobe in the Council Chamber.  Guests are asked to make their way to the rear of the Ashton Hall for drinks.  Lunch will be served in the Banqueting Suite at approximately 1.30 p.m.  Table seating plans will be on display in the Ashton Hall and at the entrance to the Banqueting Suite with names listed in alphabetical order.

The Beadle will announce when guests should take their seats in the Banqueting Suite.

The motion as set out in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Abbott Bryning as Father of the Council and seconded by Councillor Stuart Langhorn.

On being put to the vote, the Mayor declared the motion clearly carried by the required two-thirds majority.

Resolved:

That in pursuance of Section 249 of the Local Government act 1972, this Council confers the Honorary Freedom of the City, the most honourable distinction which it is its privilege to bestow, upon Mr. James Downham, in recognition of his contribution to the local community and in particular his work with Lancaster Boys Club which has spanned over 75 years influencing generations of young people throughout that time, working to change the path of their lives teaching them respect, manners and citizenship and as an expression of the high esteem in which Mr. James Downham is held by this Council and the citizens of Lancaster.

The Mayor then advised that he would be visiting Mr. Downham shortly to invite him to take the Oath and subscribe to the Roll of Honorary Freeman and present him with a Scroll of Freedom under the Common Seal of the Council.