Agenda item

At the conclusion of item 5 above, the meeting will stand adjourned and reconvene at 2.00 pm in the Council Chamber in the Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster.

It was MOVED by Councillor Nigel Ball and SECONDED by Councillor Glyn Jones that the Council place on record its thanks and appreciation to Councillor Ian Pearson for the manner in which he had fulfilled his role as Chair of Council for the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

Councillor Ian Pearson responded as follows:-

“Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Ladies and Gentlemen

It has been a tremendous honour for me to serve Doncaster as Civic Mayor.

It’s been an exciting, interesting, varied and extremely busy year and one that I have enjoyed immensely and will remember for the rest of my life.

It has been a year dominated by Royal events.  In June last year we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a host of events, locally and nationally brought people and communities together to show their love, respect and admiration for this country’s longest-serving monarch. As part of those Jubilee Celebrations, Doncaster was granted City Status, and I would like to talk about that a little later.

Then, just 3 months later, on the 8th of September 2022, the country received the very sad news that Her Majesty had died and we entered a period of national mourning. But it was also a time to welcome the new King, His Majesty King Charles III, and the proclamation was read, on the steps of the Mansion House on Sunday 11th September.

Then on the 9th November 2022, it was my very great honour and privilege to welcome His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort to the Mansion House in Doncaster where he officially presented the letters patent granting Doncaster City Status and, a few days ago we celebrated another Royal event as we witnessed the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Returning to the Royal Visit, the awarding of city status represented a very special moment for the people of Doncaster. As I mentioned the honour was bestowed on us by the late Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, so it was particularly poignant, and a true privilege, that their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort presented the Letter Patent in person.

The Royal ceremony signalled the start of an exciting new chapter in Doncaster’s history and although there are many challenges ahead, we move forward, together, with a renewed sense of community pride and hope for a prosperous future.

But of course, the year has been so much more, and it has been my great privilege to meet many interesting and inspiring people of all ages and from all walks of life. Just this week it was my great pleasure to host an afternoon tea at the Mansion House for a lady who has fostered children for over 45 years. To meet her and one of the children she fostered and listen to their experiences was truly inspirational and humbling. There are too many others to mention so I would just like to say a huge thank you to those who extended an invitation to me.

I also want to say thank you to my wife, Sue, who has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically by my side for the last twelve months.

I would also like to say thank you to Mandy Bingham, who retired a few weeks ago having worked for the Authority for 24 years, serving 25 Civic Mayors. Thank you, Mandy and best wishes for a long and happy retirement. I would also like to thank Dave Milnes who has given me the benefit of his experience as Mayor’s officer and macebearer, his advice on protocol has been invaluable. To the team of officers in the Civic Office, who have provided support throughout the year making sure I am at the right place at the right time, organising events and generally guiding me through the role of Civic Mayor. 

I would also like to thank Councillor Duncan Anderson for his support as my Deputy this year, and to Evia Shaw-Lewis who is the Junior Civic Mayor of Doncaster. Thank you to you both.

I will look back over my year very fondly and with great pride.  I would like to wish my successor, Councillor Duncan Anderson, the very best for the year ahead. I hope that you enjoy the experience as much as I have.

Finally thank you for giving me this opportunity, it is one that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

The Chair then announced a short recess and determined that the meeting would reconvene at 2.00 pm in the Council Chamber, Civic Office