MissB Reporting from the Court of
Common Council aka ‘CoCo’
The 16th day of January 2014
All in full regalia today as in
the presence of The Lord Mayor, the City Marshall*, Philip Jordan QPM leading
the way. The proceedings are opened by the cry of Oyez, Oyez, Oyez by the Common
Cryer*
The Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf opened
the court with New Year wishes. The sentiment was returned by the Chief
Commoner*.
The motion that the last two set
of minutes were correctly recorded were questioned by a Councilman relating to
the granting of the Freedom on 25th November 2013 to Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
the formal response to this honour was noted but the informal version was not
included. The latter being rather amusing and interesting. The request was to
record both letters in the official record for historical reasons and
prosperity. It was carried that this
would be done.
On the subject of the Freedom it
is always interesting reading through the applications before the Court and was
pleased to find Lord Rogers of Riverside, Richard George Rogers – Architect, on the list. He
is supported by Michael Welbank, MBE, Deputy and on the Planning and
Transportation Committee, no surprise there then.
The New Year's Honours List this year created last
year’s Lord
Mayor a Knight, hence forward to be known as Alderman Sir Roger Gifford. It is
quite usual for the outgoing Lord Mayor to be honoured thus.
Deputy Michael Welbank was also
honoured with an MBE for his work with open spaces, particularly Hampstead
Heath, which he stated was of particular interest to him, as it was his ‘back garden’!
The Lord Mayor reported on her
first visit outside Europe from which she had returned just that morning. The
trip was to Hong Kong, SRA and Taipei City. In brief Lord Mayor attended the
7th Asian Financial Forum where she addressed 2000 people regarding economic
reconstruction and growth. The Lord Mayor and delegation met with the President
of Taipei to discuss the protectionist and cumbersome banking laws. Also
discussed London's diverse products and services. The full report will be
available soon.
5. Docquets for the Hospital Seal – the comment when this comes
up is usually ‘the book is on the table’, I must remember to look into this statement at the next
meeting.
Number 14 - Planning &
Transportation
(A) Adoption of the West Smithfield Area Enhancement
Strategy - A Mr Moony asked if this meant serious consideration would now be
given to moving Smithfield meat market out of the City. The strategy is in fact
involved with improving the streets and general pedestrian environment, whilst
improving access to Smithfield and St Barts. The member for Smithfield got up
and said 'did not wish to speak'. Michael Welbank added that Smithfield was
here to stay for some time to come. Sigh of relief from MissB and other
interested parties.
A bit of banter about Public Library
Bye Laws - they do seem a bit weighty as they originate from Whitehall and date
back to the 60s, however, joking aside, the Court felt they were moving with
the times and offered a good service to the community. An interesting bylaw of
old was mentioned, whereby the control of boys in libraries was to be strictly adhered
to, but girls could please themselves! It was suggested that not much had
changed with regard to the female gender in other areas too. (Tongue in cheek,
I’m sure)
This was quite a short meeting as ‘strangers
were requested to leave the Court’ by 1.45pm, so they could
get on with the more confidential business.
All of these documents bar the
confidential can be found on the City of London Corporation web site, with a
week or two, however I must add that they are never quite as interesting as
actually attending the Court of Common Council personally and enjoying the
theatrical process and banter live!
We may not know them but would
like to note Deputy Robin Eve (Alderman Cheap Ward) died in the new year.
Stella Curry was also remembered.
On a more cheerful note the Cart
Marking Ceremony will take place on 15th July 2014.
Next meeting of the Court of Common Council is 16th February 2014 at 1pm at the Guildhall.
