As this was the first meeting of the council since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Mayor reflected on the unprecedented outpouring of sadness at her passing, but also the thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s long and influential service and exceptional devotion to duty.  

Council then stood in silent tribute to her memory.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members or Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations made.

Apologies were received as noted above.

To consider and determine the following Motion to be moved by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Martin Tod):

“That this Council, in recognition of the close ties of friendship which have been established between the City of Winchester and the School and the most excellent civil links thus formed, do confer upon the Defence School of Logistics & Administration the Freedom of Entry to the City of Winchester, comprising the right to march through the City to the beat of drums, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and colours flying.”

Following an introduction by the Mayor, in which he referred to council’s continued support of the efforts of the armed forces, the Leader moved the motion as set out on the agenda.

In summary, the Leader reiterated the unbreakable bond between civil and military communities which had been demonstrated by the recent renewal of the council’s Armed Forces Covenant.  The Leader also referred to the council’s long tradition of honouring those links with freedom honours and that it was a particular pleasure to offer the proposed freedom to an institution that strengthened our military and educational reputation and heritage.

The Motion was seconded by Councillor Porter (Cabinet Member for Place and Local Plan) who was also one of the ward councillors for Worthy Down (where the Defence School of Logistics & Administration were based).  Councillor Porter referred to the impressive array of training facilities at Worthy Down and their overall value to local communities.   

During debate, Councillor Horrill (leader of the principal opposition) was pleased to support the motion to grant the freedom.  In summary, Councillor Horrill also restated that the honour would further build upon the council’s extremely positive military and historical connections with the tri service community at Worthy Down.  Councillor Kurn then advised that, as an army reservist with the Royal Logistics Corp; he was extremely proud that the council was further embellishing its support to the armed services. 

The motion was unanimously supported and the Mayor advised that he would be presenting a framed scroll of the council’s resolution to grant the freedom of entry to senior representatives of the Defence School of Logistics & Administration.

RESOLVED:

That this Council, in recognition of the close ties of friendship which have been established between the City of Winchester and the School and the most excellent civil links thus formed, do confer upon the Defence School of Logistics & Administration the Freedom of Entry to the City of Winchester, comprising the right to march through the City to the beat of drums, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and colours flying.