Agenda item

Resolved unanimously – That this Court wishes to convey to –

Alderman Roger Gifford

its sincere appreciation and thanks for the distinguished service he has given as Lord Mayor of the City of London during the past year.

Throughout his Mayoralty, Roger Gifford has travelled extensively, both within the UK and overseas including the Gulf, Turkey, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia and Latin America.  The range of overseas visits, which has resulted in over 100 days abroad in the last twelve months, highlights a very real commitment to maintaining a programme of engagement with both existing and opportunity markets.  Engagement with the European Union has been an important feature of the Mayoral year, resulting in a programme of visits and the hosting of high level inward delegations at Mansion House, involving all twenty-eight member states. 

In addition to his overseas visit programme, Roger has, like his predecessors, devoted a significant amount of time to strengthening the City’s links with the wider national economy.  As well as taking the opportunity to promote his overseas visits programme, visits to regional centres such Leeds, Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh have also informed discussions in the international arena and ensured that the Lord Mayor has remained representative of the views of the entire UK based financial and professional services industry.  With a background in finance within international markets, Roger was well placed to deliver a holistic Mayoral programme that sought to raise the City’s profile at home and abroad and enhance its reputation as a leading international financial centre, whilst also highlighting the City’s valuable contribution to arts, culture and creative industries.  Whilst the year has been challenging and demanding, the Lord Mayor has remained enthusiastic, committed and charming at all times.  

Roger’s commitment and enthusiasm have also been unfailing in respect of his philanthropic work throughout the year and also his support for the Livery.  The Lord Mayor’s Appeal has supported a number of charities including the newly established City Music Foundation, Futures for Kids, the Gifford Wood Appeal and the Harold Samuel Collection Fund.  An array of exciting events focussing on art, music, creative talent and the safeguarding of the environment have taken place to raise both funds and on-going support for the chosen charities, including the Lord Mayor’s Summer Cycle Challenge on 29^th September 2013 which saw over four-hundred cyclists join the Lord Mayor on an eighty-two mile bike ride from St Paul’s Cathedral to Trinity College Oxford.  

The Lord Mayor was set to achieve a lot during his year in Office and he has, without a doubt, proven his ability to fulfil those expectations.  With the unending support and commitment of the Lady Mayoress, Clare - who has ensured that the Mayoralty was a real team effort - the year has been memorable for many reasons.

In closing, in taking their leave of Roger Gifford as the 685^th Lord Mayor of this City, his colleagues sincerely hope that he, Clare and the rest of the family will long retain many happy memories of a successful and melodic year in office.