Agenda item

At the conclusion of item 5 above, the meeting will stand adjourned and reconvene at 1.00pm in the Council Chamber in the Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster.

It was MOVED by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones and SECONDED by Councillor Andrea Robinson, that the Council place on record its thanks and appreciation to Councillor David Nevett for the manner in which he had fulfilled the Office of Chair of Council, during the past year.

Councillor Nevett responded, thanking Members for their kind words and support throughout the year, stating it had been a great honour for him to undertake this role.

Councillor Nevett recalled some of the memorable highlights during his time as Civic Mayor for 2016/17, and provided an insight into the experiences he had been privy to throughout the year.  He stated that it had been an extremely busy and enjoyable time, and whilst initially he had struggled with the mantle of ‘The Worshipful Mayor’, he had taken on the role with positivity, growing into it through the year and had worked hard to make a difference in Doncaster.  Councillor Nevett commented that it had been a pleasure to meet with all the Civic Mayors from neighbouring Local Authorities, all of whom had been friendly.

There had been many military events throughout the year, which the Council had shown its support for with a special mention given to the bestowing of Freeman of Doncaster upon Ben Parkinson and additionally, the recent event held in Sir Nigel Gresley Square by the Rifles Regiment, which had been a fantastic event to see all the Troops on Parade.  There had been many events held at the Mansion House, which had been a wonderful way of showcasing Doncaster’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ and Councillor Nevett reported that it had been lovely to see so many people coming through the doors and meeting them in the Mayor’s Parlour.  Whilst Councillor Nevett stated that it was hard to pinpoint a particular highlight during the year as there had been so many enjoyable and interesting events, one that did stand out in particular, was the Santa Sleigh event hosted by the Lions.  He commented that the joy and happiness on the people who came out to watch was evident, and with this respect he paid tribute to the work of the Lions who volunteered every year to raise money for local charitable causes.

The two charities that he had endeavoured to support during his year had been the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Aurora, two extremely worthy local charities and a very pleasing amount had been raised for both of these.

During the year, Councillor Nevett reported that he had attended as many events as his timetable allowed, juggling his work, family and Council commitments to enable this.  He expressed his thanks to his employers for their flexibility and understanding, his fellow Ward Councillor, Andrea Robinson for taking on some of his Ward commitments, officers of the Civic Office who had supported him throughout the year, and he also conveyed his appreciation to Councillor George Derx, the Vice Chair of Council, and his wife Pauline, for attending those events he could not make.

Councillor Nevett also expressed his thanks and gratitude to his wife Kathleen, who had acted as his consort on numerous occasions, demonstrating grace and elegance as his Lady Mayoress, and doing all the things she needed to do.  Additionally, he conveyed his thanks to his mother, Phyllis, and his daughter, Lesley, who had also assisted as his consort on several occasions.  In conclusion, Councillor Nevett reported that the role was a very special one that had to be upheld with pride and dignity, and it had been an absolute pleasure and privilege to serve as Doncaster’s Civic Mayor.