Agenda and minutes

            The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that this special meeting of the Council was to confer upon Erica Pienaar the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Lewisham.

            The Chair then announced that, under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, a Borough Council can admit to the Honorary Freedom of the Borough, ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough’.  He then called upon the Chief Executive to read out the resolution of the Council passed at a meeting of the Council on 26 June 2013.

            The Chief Executive formally reported that it was resolved that Erica Pienaar be admitted as an Honorary Freewoman of the London Borough of Lewisham “in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the education of the young people of the borough and beyond. Her dedication and commitment has improved the life chances of our students through exceptional leadership and distinguished advisory work, particularly with schools in challenging circumstances. Her involvement in national and educational change has inspired countless educationists, teachers and students with resulting significant local and national impact. Her belief in our young people has shone through her work and has changed their futures”.

            Erica Pienaar then signed the Freedom Roll of Honour and her signature was witnessed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive.

            The Chair then called upon, in turn, the Mayor, Councillor Helen Klier, Councillor Chris Maines, Councillor Pauline Morrison, Commodore Jonathan Cooke OBE, Royal Navy, Chair of Governors of the Leathersellers Federation, Martin Pebody, the Master Leatherseller, Carolyn Unsted, the Headteacher of Sydenham School and finally, Shelby Millard, a former pupil at Prendergast School to speak in support of the Council’s recommendation.

            The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, then presented to Erica Pienaar a casket containing the Council’s resolution inscribed on a vellum scroll and sealed by the Council. The Honorary Freewoman then responded and thanked the Council for the honour that had been accorded to her.

            The meeting closed at 8.35pm