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The Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council

The Chairman often hosts Civic Receptions for delegates to conferences being held in the Bath and North East Somerset Council area. Conference organisers are invited to apply to the Civic Secretary for further information.

During his year of office, the Chairman is unable to use his position to influence or become involved in Council business and matters of a political nature.

The current Chairman is Councillor Bryan Chalker. A list of the Chairman's engagements for this week can be found on the Chairman's Diary page.

The Chairman 2009/2010 - Councillor Bryan Chalker

Councillor Bryan Chalker has been a local Councillor for Lambridge Ward (Conservative) since 2003 and enjoys a high media profile. Councillor Chalker takes his role very seriously and, over the years, has achieved a great deal of success with various ward issues. Bryan formerly chaired Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing meetings and in recent years has been a member of the sub-committee relating to street-trading, taxis and licensed premises. He is also Member Champion for Heritage & Historic Environment and is passionate about all aspects of local history.

Councillor Chalker is a former police officer (Portsmouth City), journalist, broadcaster and author of four successful books. Bryan likes to think that he brings a commonsense approach to dealing with peoples' problems and prides himself on being able to overcome bureaucratic hurdles with applied logic and good humour.

Bryan’s hobbies are many and varied and include acoustic Appalachian music (he is an accomplished musician); travel; photography; animals; Classic cars; herb growing and gardening, and local history.

Amongst his proposed fundraising events, Councillor Chalker hopes to hold a Chairman’s Charity Ball early in 2010 and will be holding a fundraising Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Ted’s Big Day Out in October. Other fundraising events will be announced later in the year.

Invitations to the Chairman

The Chairman welcomes invitations to visit local charities and community groups throughout the Bath and North East Somerset Council. If you would like to invite the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council to attend an event, please contact Ruth Hutchings, the Civic Secretary, who arranges the Chairman’s diary. If the date is convenient, you will be issued with a protocol form to be completed. Please give as much notice as possible, to ensure the date is available and return the protocol form as quickly as possible.

Chairman's Theme and Charity Support

During his year in office, Councillor Chalker’s theme will be: “Grown Your Own Food and Know Your Local Heritage”, which will encompass two of his passionate interests. The Chairman welcomes invitations to events relating to this theme and would be delighted to receive invitations to attend. Please contact the Civic Office on chairsoffice@bathnes.gov.uk

Councillor Chalker has chosen three local charities which he will be supporting during his year in office. These are:

The Royal British Legion Welfare Fund (Somerset)

The Bath Cats & Dogs Home

The Bath Royal United Hospital Forever Friends NICU “Space to Grow”Appeal

Amongst his proposed fundraising events, Councillor Chalker hopes to hold a Chairman’s Charity Ball early in 2010 and will be holding a fundraising Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Ted’s Big Day Out on 16 October. Other fundraising events will be announced later in the year.

Chairman's Awards and Future Events 2009

During the Chairman's year in office, Chairman's Awards will be presented in the following categories:-

Chairman's Sports Award
Chairman's Education Award
Chairman's Community Award
Chairman's Business Award

Further details will be announced during the year.

Chairman’s Community Awards 2009/2010

These are being organised in conjunction with the Council's Policy and Partnership Department and the Bath & North East Somerset Volunteer Centre and are an opportunity to recognise the work carried out within the community by volunteers throughout the Bath & North East Somerset area.

There are 6 categories for which nominations are invited:-

Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer Leader of the Year
Student Volunteer of the Year (over 18)
Young Volunteer of the Year (under 18)
Volunteer Team of the Year
Environmental Volunteer of the Year

All nominees will receive a Certificate in recognition of their volunteering work and the winners will be presented with a Certificate and Award at a Presentation Ceremony later in the year.

Further details, guidelines and nomination forms can be obtained from Sara Dixon at sara_dixon@bathnes.gov.uk or on 01225 396594. The closing date for nominations is Friday 30 October 2009 and completed forms should be sent to the Chairman's Office, Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW

Dates in the Civic Diary

Sunday 11^th October 2009 3.00pm at St Saviours Church, Larkhall, Bath, Council’s Annual Civic Service
Tuesday 23 February 2010 7.00pm - 9.00pm at the Roman Baths and Pump Room - The Council’s Annual Civic Reception – this is for invited guests from the local community, businesses, parish councils, emergency services, representatives from neighbouring local authorities, local charities, volunteer groups.

Vice Chairman of the Council

Councillor Sarah Bevan (Liberal/ Democrat) has been elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council for 1009/2010. Cllr Bevan has been a Bath and North East Somerset Councillor for Peasedown St John since 2003 and has been the Council’s Human Rights Champion since 2004. Councillor Bevan is also a member of the Council’s Trades Union Advisory and Consultative Committee.