To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

(a)      Reading Pennsylvania 275^th Anniversary

The Mayor was presented with a gift by Alderman Tony Jones and Councillor Tony Page on behalf of Reading Pennsylvania’s Mayor on the occasion of the 275^th Anniversary of their city, which had taken place on 16 March 2023 with Alderman Jones and Councillor Page in attendance.

(b)      Retiring Councillors

As this was the last meeting prior to the Council elections on 4^th May 2023, the Mayor invited the Group Leaders to pay tribute to Councillors who would not be standing for re-election.  Councillor Brock spoke about Councillors Khan and Sultan; Councillor Mitchell spoke about Councillor Kretchmer; and Councillor White spoke about former Councillor McGonigle who had stood down from the Council recently.