Councillors Sian Maehrlein, Mark Strong and Alun Williams apologised for their inability to attend the meeting

Councillor Paul Hinge thanked all for their support during the past year including all Members, his Vice-Chairman Councillor Ifan Davies, his consort Angharad Lewis and the Chaplain Rev Richard Lewis.

In reflecting on his year in office, he referred to the various functions he had attended and stated that it had been a privilege to represent the Council on these occasions. These included the International Sheepdog trials in Aberystwyth, the Queen’s Stage of the Tour de Britain race which started from Penmorfa, Aberaeron, the re-affirmation of the Ceredigion the Armed Forces Covenant on board HMS Tracker, the official opening of the Veterinary Science School at Aberystwyth University, and the 200^th anniversary ceremony to commemorate the issue of the Royal Charter to Lampeter St David’s University.

Councillor Paul Hinge thanked Officers for all their support in ensuring that meetings held remotely ran in a smooth manner, and that he was well supported during his year as Chairman.

To be proposed by Councillor Elizabeth Evans

Councillor Elizabeth Evans paid tribute to the Chairman, Councillor Paul Hinge for the excellent service provided by him during the 2021/22 Municipal Year, undertaking his role with great dignity and affording all Members with respect.

Councillor Ifan Davies presented Councillor Paul Hinge with a Former-Chairman Chain of Office and Plaque.

To be proposed by Councillor Rhodri Evans

To be seconded by Councillor Keith Evans

It was proposed by Councillor Rhodri Evans and seconded by Councillor Keith Evans and unanimously RESOLVED that Councillor Ifan Davies be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year, 2022/23.

The newly-elected Chairman was presented with his Chain of Office and made his declaration of acceptance of office and addressed the Council.

The Chairman's Consort, Mrs Iona Davies was presented with the Insignia of Office

Councillor Ifan Davies thanked Councillor Paul Hinge for his hard work and commitment during the past year.  He thanked Councillors Rhodri Evans and Keith Evans for their kind words and congratulated all Members on being elected to the Council and welcomed all the new Members. 

To be proposed by Councillor Bryan Davies

To be seconded by Councillor Gareth Davies

It was proposed by Councillor Bryan Davies and seconded by Councillor Gareth Davies and unanimously RESOLVED that Councillor Maldwyn Lewis be elected Vice-Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

The newly elected Vice-Chairman made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was presented with the Insignia of Office by the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman’s Consort, the Reverend Carys Ann was presented with the Insignia of Office.

The Chairman, Councillor Ifan Davies confirmed Reverend Aled Wyn Lewis as his Chaplain for the ensuing Municipal Year.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bryan Davies welcomed the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, Elin Jones AM, guests, officers and fellow Members to the meeting. He congratulated Councillor Ifan Davies on being elected Chairman, noting that this would be an important year for Ceredigion in welcoming the National Eisteddfod to Tregaron.

He noted his appreciation to the former Chairman, Councillor Paul Hinge for chairing meetings with dignity and professionalism, and he welcomed the former Councillor, Rowland Rees-Evans back to the Chamber in his new role as High Sherriff.  He thanked the former Leader, Ellen ap Gwynn and the former Deputy Leader Ray Quant MBE, noting that the new Cabinet was looking forward to being as transparent as possible and open to discussing ideas with all Members for the benefit of Ceredigion.  He also thanked all previous Members for their contributions in their local wards as well as the county as a whole.

He referred to the highlights during the previous administration, including the Growing Mid Wales partnership, the continuation of the Cylch Caron project and to the Arfor scheme.  He noted that Ceredigion has led the way in recycling, and hoped that Ceredigion would also lead the way with carbon management.  He noted that the last two years have been extremely challenging and thanked all Council staff, volunteers and various groups who have worked tirelessly to help the people of Ceredigion. 

There are several projects on the horizon which will contribute to the economy, attracting and keeping young people in Ceredigion, making Ceredigion one of the best counties to live in and he noted that he is proud to be part of a team which works for the benefit of its residents.

It was RESOLVED to confirm the Membership of the Council’s Committees in accordance with the list circulated at the meeting.