Friday 16 September 2022
Dear All
Welcome to this latest edition of our fortnightly Depute Chief Executive Update. As always, I hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well.
Our national news has been dominated since Thursday 8 September by the sad passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in Balmoral, and the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.
We have been following the official protocols in place for the death of a Monarch, and our flags at the Marina HQ, Milngavie Precinct and Milngavie Town Hall are at half-mast as we remain in the official period of National Mourning.
In line with protocol, our flags were raised to full-mast for the Proclamation of the King. This traditional ceremony took place in St James’ Palace London on Saturday 10 September. There was then a Proclamation in Edinburgh on Sunday 11 September followed by local Proclamation ceremonies across Scotland. Our own local Proclamation took place at Kilmardinny House in Bearsden at 2pm on Sunday and was read by our Chief Executive Gerry Cornes, introduced by Vice Lord Lieutenant Linda Moffat. Flags were returned to half-mast once the Proclamations had concluded. Our local Proclamation was attended by the Provost’s invited guests and members of the public.
You will have seen from Employee News 21 which we issued on Wednesday (14 September) that the day of Her Majesty’s State Funeral is on 19 September - this coming Monday - and is a public holiday. Only our emergency frontline services will be in operation on that day, and as always, I would like to thank all of those who will be on shift or on call on Monday to ensure that we continue to deliver our vital services to our vulnerable residents on that additional public holiday.
Now, on with our regular updates:
News from the Council….
New Safer Workplaces Guidance
In Employee News 22 yesterday (Thursday 15 September) we issued our new Safer Workplaces Guidance, which replaces the risk assessments in place in our depots, offices and buildings following the lifting of legal COVID-19 restrictions. Please familiarise yourself with this Guidance in our Employee Zone and ensure that you follow it when attending your workplace. Please also remember that if you are looking to book a desk and attend one of our offices, you must have permission from your Executive Officer to do so.
999 Emergency Services Day
Following the death of Her Majesty and the start of the official period of national mourning, this year’s 999 Emergency Services Day was postponed on Friday 9 September. It will be rescheduled for a date later in the year and details will be announced once confirmed.
Peel Park Makeover
Peel Park is looking splendid after some of its best known features were restored to their former glory thanks to a makeover by the Council. The bandstand, drinking fountain and 12 historic lamp posts – all made by Kirkintilloch’s Lion Foundry - have been recently refurbished and the results speak for themselves.
The Foundry was famous during the Victorian era for its decorative ironwork and the company donated these park items to the people of Kirkintilloch in 1905. However, they were beginning to show signs of deterioration and repairs were carried out by a specialist conservation company to preserve the integrity of the ironwork for future generations to enjoy.
You can view some of the photos or why not visit Peel Park for yourself?
Back on track
The newly-resurfaced section of the Strathkelvin Railway Path between Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown is now fully open again. The Council has invested to revamp 4,500m of the route - which also forms part of the National Cycle Network, John Muir Way and Thomas Muir Heritage Trail. Look out for photos and an official reopening soon.
Climate for change
Scotland's Climate Week takes place from 26 September - 2 October 2022. This year the focus will be on promoting local climate conversations. Find out how you can get involved - whether you're a resident or business - by visiting the website and look out #ScotClimateWeek on social media. You can also be part of the conversation by signing up for our Climate Action Plan Newsletters.
Help guide future developments
A new planning document has been prepared on Water Environment and Flood Risk. The Council is also updating advice on Green Infrastructure and Green Networks. You can have your say on both and help to support the Local Development Plan 2. Consultation is taking place until 14 October. Check out our website for more information.
Healthy Working Lives (HWL) news for September….
The September 2022 Healthy Working Lives Update has been published to the Employee Zone of the website with news of the campaigns that are taking place throughout the month, including links to helpful related information.
There have been a wealth of health awareness days and weeks throughout September, with the following next week:
- National Eye Health Awareness (19-25 September)
Visit the September tab on our dedicated Healthy Working Lives webpage for full details of these and all the other campaigns running during the month.
As always, please remember that there is a full range of helpful wellbeing information and advice on a wide range of topics on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.
Our Employee Assistance Programme also includes a free 24 hour confidential helpline/support service ‘Time for Talking’. It is available to all employees and full details of the service and how to access it can be found on our Employee Assistance Programme page in the Employee Zone.
Other News….
Write about now...
Time is running out to be part of a project which aims to showcase the creative writing talents of the local autistic community. The HSCP's Local Area Co-ordinators are on the look-out for short story submissions (maximum length, 600 words) on the theme of 'reflections'. Stories will be compiled and printed in a booklet as part of the 2022 Festival of Celebration - showcasing the artistic achievements of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities and mental health issues locally, as well as the organisations that support them. Entries must be received by the end of September. Read the News article for more info.
Two new Art exhibitions underway
Don’t forget these two new exhibitions from East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust which are now underway.
'Still Life' by Rachel Mimiec is being held at the Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie from 3 September to 3 November 2022. It's a chance to explore local culture and the natural environment. Check out this news article for info
The 50th Annual Art Exhibition is being held at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch from 3 September to 26 October 2022. The official opening and prize-giving ceremony will be held on Saturday (3 September) from 2.30pm.
For more details, visit the News section of our website.
Dates for your Diary
19-25 September National Eye Health Awareness Week
22 September Next Full Council meeting (Hybrid format)
23-26 September School September Weekend Holiday
26 Sept – 2 Oct Scotland’s Climate Week
And finally...
As always, my continued thanks to you all – stay safe and keep well (remember to read that new Safer Workplace Guidance!).
The next edition of this Depute Chief Executive Update will be in a fortnight’s time, following the September weekend, during week beginning Monday 26 September.
Ann