Agenda and minutes

Resolved – That the minutes of the Courts of Aldermen held on 6^th and 9^th November 2012 were correctly recorded.

To pass a Vote of Thanks to the late Lord Mayor.

Resolved unanimously – That this Court wishes to convey to –

Alderman David Hugh Wootton

its congratulations and warmest thanks for the distinguished service he has given as Lord Mayor of this City during what has been a busy, challenging and exciting year marked by Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee celebrations and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

As London has demonstrated its position as a great global city, whose culture and economy is defined by openness to the world, David Wootton has strived, both at home and abroad, to promote the City and the UK as a key business centre.   Much as no major city stands still, during the course of his Mayoralty, David Wootton has travelled extensively, with great commitment and professionalism, to over 25 countries including Russia, Turkey, the Gulf region and more recently Vietnam, India and Argentina.  In a year of continued economic uncertainty in the UK and overseas, his efforts to stimulate jobs and growth and to promote London as a global hub for financial, legal and educational services, together with dispute resolution and arbitration, are particularly notable.

Philanthropy and corporate social responsibility are at the heart of the City of London Corporation’s vision for the City, and David has, like his predecessors, devoted a significant amount of energy and passion to supporting charitable endeavours that will have an enduring impact.  In this Olympic year, “Fit for the Future” - the Lord Mayor’s appeal theme - has focussed on five charities, the primary being Barts and The London Charity on behalf of the Trauma Unit at The Royal London Hospital.  As a reflection of David’s own interests, the Rowing Foundation, London Youth Rowing, Fields in Trust and Futures for Kids have also benefited, creating a healthier future for all, both in and beyond the City.

Vote of Thanks to John Cottam White TD:

Resolved unanimously - That, in taking their leave of John Richard Cottam White TD upon his retirement as Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate, this Court desires to place on record its sincere appreciation for the service he has given to the Corporation and to this Court of Aldermen.  Elected to the Court for the Ward of Billingsgate in 2008, John has been a stalwart supporter of this Court and its traditions and a particularly active member of the City of London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.  In thanking him for the contribution that he has made, his colleagues extend to him their very best wishes for his future health and happiness.

Retirement of the Swordbearer and Senior Programme Manager, Richard Martin:

Resolved unanimously – That, upon the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Martin as Swordbearer to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, the Members of this Court wish to express their appreciation of his dedicated support for the mayoralty and Corporation for the last twelve years and more. First as Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms and then as Swordbearer, he has served 14 Lord Mayors. Richard has helped to strengthen the business focus of the Mayoral programmes whilst maintaining the highest standards of ceremonial. Having initiated the first systematic procedures for planning overseas visits, he has put them into practice in business missions to 82 countries. He also played a key role in the City’s contribution to both the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of HM The Queen. The Court wishes Richard every happiness in the future, in which he will continue to engage with the City through his work with the City of London Scout Group, the Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust, the Truro Trust and the Thomas Carpenter

The Comptroller & City Solicitor to report the result of the Wardmote held on Friday, 30th November 2012, for the election of an Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate.

The Comptroller & City Solicitor reported that at a Wardmote held on 30^th November 2012 for the election of an Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate, Alderman Matthew Charles Falco Lombardi Richardson was duly elected as Alderman of the Ward.

Received.

Mr Richardson made and subscribed the declaration for the due execution of the office, the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath.

The Comptroller & City Solicitor to report the result of the Wardmote held on Monday, 3^rd December 2012, for the election of an Alderman for the Ward of Tower.

The Comptroller & City Solicitor reported that at a Wardmote held on 3^rd December 2012 for the election of an Alderman for the Ward of Tower, Alderman Sir Paul Judge was duly re-elected as Alderman of the Ward.

Received.

Mr. Chamberlain presented the names of one hundred and fourteen persons to be made free of this City, and it is Ordered that they be admitted into the Freedom of this City accordingly, as follows:-

Name                                                           Company

Clare Burgess Cooper                    Skinners

An application of the following Freeman to be recorded in the Company named:-

Name                                       Company

Clare Burgess Cooper              Skinners

Name                                                           Company

Philippa Thomas                            Merchant Taylor

An application of the following Freeman by Servitude to be recorded in the Company named:-

Name                            Company

Philippa Thomas            Merchant Taylor