Agenda item

Chairman to be heard.

The Chairman provided a formal thanks to Alderman Ian Luder for his service and contribution to the board.

I would like to record our sincere thanks and gratitude to Alderman Ian Luder, who is today attending his last meeting of NEB and WHP.

Alderman Ian Luder has, for a period spanning over 10 years, demonstrated the utmost dedication to the City of London Corporation’s various Open Spaces committees, now the Natural Environment. He joined the (then) OSCGC in 2014 and in the following years served as Chairman of both OSCG and WHP.

Alderman Luder has also served on the other Natural Environment Committees: Epping Forest and Commons; and Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park. Beyond this, Alderman Luder also featured on the Open Spaces Grants Review Working Party; Open Spaces and City Gardens – Finsbury Circus Garden Reinstatement Working Party. This shows just how considerably involved he was at every possible stage.

As Chairman, Alderman Luder was, in many ways, ahead of his time. For example, he was fundamental to developing a partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association. The embers of which have fed into a fully-fledged sports strategy which the City recognises will be fundamental to re-invigorating the Square Mile, and beyond, post-Covid. Furthermore, he championed our volunteer scheme, which is thriving today, as well as ensuring continued improvements accessibility across our open spaces.

Under his leadership, the City received Green Flag and Green Heritage standards, and Gold Awards in both London- and Britain in Bloom. Both exceptional achievements.

This of course is in no way intended to overlook the Ian’s contributions as Alderman, and indeed Lord Mayor, but hope it goes some way of capturing Members’ sentiments in celebrating his contributions to this particular Committee. These will be made in the usual way at the Court of Alderman and indeed the Court of Common Council in due course and I add my considerable thanks for his immense wisdom in advising me since I became Chair.

We wish you, Lin and the family all the best for the future.

RESOLVED – That, the formal thanks for Alderman Ian Luder be noted by the board.