Agenda item - Chairs Communications

51.1    The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting at Whitehawk Library and reminded all present that the meeting was being recorded and would be capable of repeated viewing via the online webcast. Several important events would be taking place in the near future which the Chair stated she would like to draw to the attention of the Committee and members of the public who were present.

            Holocaust Memorial Day

51.2    On Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 January Brighton and Hove Holocaust Project would be holding a series of events at Brighton College and Brighton & Hove High School to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Sir Eric Reich a kinder transport refugee would be speaking, and attendees would also be able to hear of the experiences of the Sinti Roma.  Additionally, there would be a “Power of Words” poetry workshop at which art work and poetry by pupils at Carden Primary School and Brighton & Hove High School would be on display.

            Angel Day

51.3    On Saturday 10 February an “Angel Day” would be held at Brighton Museum organised by the Interfaith Contact Group. This would be a free, family friendly, fun day providing the opportunity to learn about the role played by angels in many faiths and also about the angels (statues for example) which could be found in the city. There would be art, music, storytelling an angel trail and an angel competition.

            LGBT History Month

51.4    February was LGBT History month and during that time there would be many events and activities across the city: a repeat of the successful “B Right On Festival” held the previous year. Numerous community and fundraising events supporting older people, those affected by domestic abuse and, mental health organisations, HIV charities, LGBT families, disabled people and the  homeless community all within the Phil Starr Pavilion, a multifunctional, fully accessible, heated performance and conference space with a licensing at Victoria Gardens.

            Emergency Planning in the Wake of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy

51.5    The Chairman referred to the meeting of the Committee held on 9 October 2017 at which members had considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing relating to “Emergency Planning and Resilience, Preventing and Responding to Emergencies”. One of the resolutions of the Committee had been that the Chief Executive should write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government raising various matters arising in the light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. A copy of response received had been forwarded to all members of the Committee. Copies of the minute of that meeting and the response received were also available any members of the press and public who were present.

51.6    RESOLVED – That the contents of the Chair’s Communications be received and noted.