Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

43.1      The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that in the run up to Christmas he had been enjoying invitations to a number of Christmas lunches and dinners – all of which have been wonderful celebrations bringing people together. Yesterday he was delighted to help serve up lunch at Fairlight school and today joined older people at Thursday Lunch Club at St Richard’s, Hangleton, for their Christmas lunch.

43.2      He noted that there was also a lot of excellent Carol singing to enjoy too, and last night he had a double bill with the University of Brighton Carol Service at St Laurence, Falmer quickly followed by the Sussex Beacon Carol Service in St Paul's West Street.

43.3      He stated that Members would be aware that there were a number of seasonal engagements coming up, and he hoped many of you will be able to attend. Tomorrow evening he was hosting the Mayor's Christmas Reception in The Brighthelm Centre at 7pm. We have entertainment lined up, and there will be some food, a pay bar and a charity raffle and silent auction.  The hall has a bigger capacity than the Pavilion, so it has been possible to extend the guest list to include my chosen charities and many other members of the community. I hope it will be an enjoyable evening for everyone attending.

43.4      The Mayor stated that on Sunday he hoped councillors would be able to join him at the Annual Civic Carol Service at St Nicholas, the Parish Church of Brighton, starting at 6.30pm. This popular service was of course open to the public, but seating was at a premium so do be prompt.  He also hoped that councillors would be able to attend the Civic Service on Monday in the Unitarian Church at 5.30pm. This service would be led by the Rev Jeff Jones with my Chaplain Rev Anthea Ballam.

43.5      He noted that on Wednesday 21st December there would be the annual Burning of the Clocks solstice celebration. This was always a spectacular event not to be missed and he hoped there would be good weather for it. While the event is free, Same Sky do have to raise the considerable amount of funding it takes to put this on, so he would be there with a collection bucket seeking generous support from those enjoying the occasion.

43.6      Sticking with the festive theme, the Mayor stated that he would like to give a plug to the Impetus "No-One Should Be Lonely in Brighton and Hove” Christmas campaign. Impetus was one of his chosen charities and focused on addressing loneliness.  Members would have received details about the campaign, including the scale and impact loneliness is having on people and society as a whole, and how to support their volunteer befriending and other schemes. In a similar vein One Church were co-ordinating 22 community partners supporting the Know Your Neighbour Christmas Card Campaign. Last year over 3,000 cards were distributed in the city through this project; helping neighbours bring a little cheer to someone who in their street they know may be on their own this Christmas. He stated that Cards were freely available and encouraged Members to check out the campaign website.

43.7      Finally, the Mayor stated that he wished to end on a celebratory note in congratulating the Martlets with the success of their Snowdogs-by-sea scheme, which has raised over £300,000 at auction and through donations, and also significantly raised awareness of The Martlets particularly with the younger generation. Well done to all who have worked so very hard on this tremendous achievement.