Agenda item

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 Trust.

Mr Martin replied in suitable terms.