Agenda item

To consider the report of Councillor Andrew Lewis which recommends that the Gloucester Branch of the Royal British Legion be granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Gloucester.

86.1      Councillor Gravells moved and Councillor Hilton seconded the following motion:

That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Gloucester Branch of the Royal British Legion be granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Gloucester in recognition of their significant contribution and eminent service to the City.

86.2      Councillor Gravells praised the good work of the Royal British Legion (RBL) in Gloucester and particularly recalled the good work of a number of key individuals. He paid tribute to the organisers of the annual Poppy Appeal and noted that in this, the centenary year of RBL the Gloucester branch aimed to raise £100k. Additionally, Councillor Gravells encouraged Members to become members of RBL themselves.

86.3      Councillor Hilton noted the educational work RBL had undertaken over many years and that awarding the Freedom of the City to RBL was the right thing to do, noting that numerous other areas had made the same award.

86.4      Councillor Pullen noted that the founding principles of the RBL and support for veterans still applied today and pointed to the fact that the organisation continued to make a significant contribution to the City.

86.5      Councillor Chambers-Dubus stated that it was a well deserved award. She noted that RBL also educated people how important how support for veterans was and how peace could be achieved.

86.6      On behalf of the Gloucester branch of RBL, Mr. Garry Mills spoke to thank Members for their support. He recalled his work over numerous years working with Members and the wider community. Mr. Mills reiterated that the work of RBL was both to support those who had been involved in conflict and to move away from conflict in principle.

86.7      RESOLVED that:- pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Gloucester Branch of the Royal British Legion be granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Gloucester in recognition of their significant contribution and eminent service to the City.