Chairman’s thanks to the Buckinghamshire community
County Council Chairman Zahir Mohammed haspaid tributeto those in the voluntary, civic, business and community sectors, for their contribution to Buckinghamshire life.
His tribute came at a reception for more than 200 on Thursday evening (May 14) just a few days before he hands the chain of office to successor Chairman Bill Chapple.
Zahir told guests at the Hedsor Housegathering of the privilege he felt at being able to serve the county in the Council’s 125th year.Thanking his civic and community guests for their support during his year as Chairman, he called on them to work together determinedly to manage the challenges of the next 125 years.
‘We know the challenges of tomorrow will be some of the greatest challenges of our lifetime,’ he said. ‘And they demand that we focus our attention on making the best use of our resources. They call for a unified, common purpose.
‘Togetherness between us is of great value to all our citizens, as it is our common future. We are greater than our individual talents, we are greater than the sum of our aspirations, and we remain greater than our collective skills.’
And, as the county’s Armed Forces Champion, the Chairman had a special word of praise for Buckinghamshire’s Services community.
‘Their patriotism for sacrifice, for our freedom, and for our security is truly regimental,’ he said. ‘They make sacrifices that many of us cannot imagine, and they patiently endure hardships that we take for granted. History provides timely and powerful reminders, most recently in the shape of the VE Day 70th anniversary commemorations.’
The Chairman and Lord Lieutenant, joined by Armed Forces representatives, veterans and civic guests, had lit the county’s commemorative beacon atop Coombe Hill last Friday evening (May 8).
During the reception, former Wycombe High School student Charlotte Nohavicka performed songs from the film The Quartet, which was shot at Hedsor House, and also ‘Non pui di fiori’ from La Clemenza di Tito, by Mozart . She was accompanied by Graham Thorpe, who is studying at the Royal College of Music.