To receive any Chair’s announcements.
Minutes:
Condolences were extended to the family of the late William Tudor Owen -
former Member and Chair of this Council, and Cllr Dewi Jones paid tribute to
him.
Condolences were extended to the family of the late Ieuan Roberts,
Porthmadog, who had been a Member of this Council. A tribute was paid to him by
Cllr June Jones.
Also noted was the recent death of the famous minister, Reverend Marcus
Robinson, and condolences were extended to his family also.
It was further noted that the Council wished to express condolences to
everyone within the county’s communities who had lost loved ones recently. The
Council stood in silence as a mark of respect and remembrance.
It was noted that several members of the Council had been unwell recently
and they were wished a full and speedy recovery.
Councillor Wendy Cleaver was welcomed to her first meeting after she had
been elected Councillor for Barmouth during the summer, and she was wished well
in her role.
Catrin Thomas was welcomed back to the Council on her commencement in
post as Corporate Director.
The following were congratulated:
·
Everyone from Gwynedd who had recently been
successful at this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham was congratulated,
especially Owain Rhys from Cardiff, but originally from Llandwrog,
the son of former Councillor Richard Morris Jones, on winning the Crown.
·
The Sir Gaernarfon
Organising Committee who had been sponsoring the Royal Welsh Show this year.
·
Chris Williams from Bethesda, who had been running
the Cefn y Ddraig Race to
thank the North Wales Society of the Blind for their support to his wife,
Councillor Einir Williams.
·
To the swimmer, Ela Letton-Jones from Felinheli, on winning a silver medal for Britain in the
World Para-Swimming Championships in Singapore.
·
Cedron Dafydd from Pentir,
on winning a Silver Medal in the World Rowing Competition.
·
Richard Eirig Rowlands on
winning the Wales Darts Championships 2025.
·
Nick Thomas on winning a gold medal in the World
Para-Archery Championships.
·
Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd
Consultancy on winning the ICE Cymru Diversity awards for the Hirael Bangor flood prevention project.
Attention was drawn to the fact that it had been 60 years since Llyn
Celyn was officially opened, contrary to the wishes of local politicians and
the community. It was expressed that it was integral to remember, and remind
the nation, of the travesty of drowning Cwm Celyn, and many other valleys, to
supply water to cities in England. It was noted that we will remember Tryweryn.
The Chair invited the Chief Executive to provide an update to the Full
Council on the Child Practice Review. The Chief Executive expressed that it was
not customary to make this kind of statement, but that it was essential for him
to address the matter. A week ago, he explained, that arrangements were in
place to publish this essentially important report, with a briefing session for
Councillors arranged. But, at 16:30 the night before, a message was received to
delay the publication. It was emphasised that the Council was not a part of
this decision or any consultation on the matter.
He expressed that he felt the same disappointment and frustration that
two years had now passed, and that staff saw this as a conclusion and felt
relief as it would now give them the opportunity to discuss this openly. It was
emphasised that it was going to be a painful and difficult report, but that the
Council was ready to apologise to the brave individuals and was committed to
improve its systems.
It was explained that there was no further information available at
present, but once there was, it would be shared.
It was emphasised that the impact of deferring had been much greater on
the victims, who continued to be supported.