Minutes:
(a) Barnsley Bright Nights Festival
The Mayor (Councillor Makinson) reminded Members that tonight was the start of the Barnsley Bright Nights Festival which would commence with the switch on of the Christmas Lights at the Town Hall at 6.00 pm. This was a lovely spectacle and she encouraged all Members to spread the news of the event. More information was available for download from the Council’s website.
Other highlights of the Festival included:
· Luminous Birds by acclaimed artist Kathy Hinde in the Cooper Gallery
· World famous Luke Jerram’s MARS in Barnsley College
· Barnsley’s fantastical beasts by night in the Churchfields Peace Gardens
· Songs with Barnsley Live in St Mary’s Church
· Activities in the Library at the Lightbox
The finale was STORM a 10m high mechanical puppet in a parade from the Digital Media Centre to the Glassworks on Saturday evening, 27th November, 2021 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
She then reported that the opening of three new Barnsley Museums Units in the Glassworks would coincide with the event, and the Barnsley Museums Gallery@Glassworks would be showing the Covid Memorial Sculpture Exhibition, a digital experience and Barnsley Museums Discover, dedicated to showcasing Barnsley.
The Authority was also very fortunate to have one of the best bright night festivals anywhere and thanks must go to all the Culture, Arts and Events staff involved. She hoped all Members would support the event.
(b) Civic Carol Service
The Mayor then referred to the Civic Carol Service which was to be held at 4.00 pm on the 16th December, 2021 in St Mary’s Church to which all were invited.
(c) Mayor’s Christmas Raffle
Finally, the Mayor reported that a Christmas Raffle was to be held in support of her two charities and any donations would be gratefully received.
(d) National Living Wage for Carers
The Mayor then invited Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, Leader of the Council, to speak on this item.
Councillor Houghton was pleased to inform Members that the Council, working with South Yorkshire Integrated Care System, was able to bring forward the implementation of the new National Living Wage for all carers from the 1st April, 2022 to the 1st December, 2021. That gave all carers an additional four months additional money in their wages and bearing in mind also, that the Council would continue to pay an additional pound above that as previously agreed. It was hoped that this would also help to stabilise the care market that Members were so worried about.
Thanks were extended to the Executive Director Adults and Communities and her Team for negotiating this on the Council’s behalf. This was exciting and positive news for some really important people within the Borough.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed their appreciation and thanks in the usual manner.
(e) Covid Memorial Event – Memorabilia
The Mayor announced that there were a limited number of pin badges and memorial programmes remaining from the Covid Memorial Event and these could be obtained from the Mayor’s Office and provided fitting mementos of a fantastic day.