Minutes:
· The Chair attended a number of remembrance events including services in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Five Roads. He had the honour of attending the unveiling ceremony of a new memorial by Llanarthne Church gate for he parishioners from Llanarthne who were lost during the war. He also attended the unveiling of a memorial in Llansteffan Hall for the last of the soldiers from the area who lost their lives in the First World War and he opened a memorial garden in Dafen. He opened an excellent educational exhibition in Whitland and witnessed an unique performance of “Oh what a lovely war” in Llanelli and memorial concerts in Garnant and Burry Port. He thanks all the organisers and in particular the British Legion. All the events he attended were memorable and an emotional experience which made everyone realise the horrors of war;
· The Chair referred to the poppy pictures which were illuminated on the wall of County Hall on the evening of Sunday, 11th November. Illuminations have also been shown on County hall for Baby Loss Awareness Week, World Polio Day and will be shown for World Aids Day;
· The Chair referred to the severe weather endured in Carmarthenshire last month. Our thoughts are with the individuals, businesses and communities who suffered as a result of the worst flooding we have seen for over 30 years. The Leader of Council provided an update on the flooding and informed Council that the day after the flooding, when the river rose to unprecedented levels, a fund was set up to assist those affected by the floods. Officers visited those area affected to offer practical help and also assistance in accessing the Fund. The Leader expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the officers involved in the aftermath, who went above and beyond the call of duty. A further Fund was set up a few days later to assist the 210 businesses affected by the floods. Officers also offered help and assistance to get those businesses back up and running as soon as possible. With regard to roads and infrastructure, all roads and bridges have been inspected and have opened apart from the A484 in Cwmduad, which was affected by the landslide. An estimated £3m is needed to ensure that that infrastructure is returned to how it was before the storm. The Leader, on behalf of the Council, extended his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Corey Sharpling, who lost his life in the tragedy in Cwmduad;
· Last November the White Ribbon Campaign was discussed. The Campaign’s vision is for a society free from all forms of men’s violence.
Since then Councillor Cefin Campbell has been appointed as an Ambassador for the Campaign. He sought White Ribbon Accreditation by the White Ribbon Day 2018, namely 25th November, and the Council successfully achieved White Ribbon Status in August in recognition of the work we are doing and what we are planning on doing to involve men in speaking out and challenging male violence against women. The Chair encouraged members to sign up online to take the pledge to “Never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women”;
· The Chair extended condolences to Mrs Ann Davies following the death of her husband, Denzil Davies, former Member of Parliament for Llanelli;
· The Chair extended birthday wishes to HRH Prince Charles on his 70th birthday.