Chairman of the Council
The Chairman of Dover District
Council is the First Citizen in the District of Dover, Deal and
Sandwich and takes precedence over all others including the Town
Mayors, but excluding royalty and Her Majesty’s deputy, the Lord
Lieutenant of Kent. The Chairman is elected annually by fellow
Councillors.
The Chairman chairs meetings of
full Council, hosts civic events, receives official visitors,
represents the District at ceremonial occasions and attends a wide
range of events and presentations.
The current Chairman of the Council for 2010-11 is Councillor
Bernard W Butcher. His Vice-Chairman is
Councillor Sylvia R Nicholas.
Etiquette
The Chairman always has precedence
in Dover District except in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen
or Her representative.
- The Chairman and His Lady/Her Escort should be met immediately
upon arrival by a responsible person who should escort them to meet
their host.
- Unless the Chairman of the Council occupies the Chair, he/she
should be seated on the immediate right of his host/Chairman
(assuming Royalty or the Lord Lieutenant of Kent is not
present).
- If the Chairman is to be asked to speak at any dinner or
similar function, it will be appreciated if his/her toast or reply
could appear early on the toast list and any background information
should be sent to the Chairman’s Office in advance.
- During any speeches, the presence of the Chairman of the
District Council should be acknowledged first: e.g. Chairman of the
District Council, Town Mayor, others (assuming a Royal visitor or
the Lord Lieutenant of Kent is not present).
- Precedence should be noted when asking the Chairman and other
guests to perform duties, e.g. laying of wreaths.
- Except in cases where the Chairman and His Lady/Her Escort are
asked to take part in the reception, the time given should be such
as to ensure their arrival five minutes only before commencement of
the dinner or other function. This arrangement will avoid
unnecessary waiting on their part on their arrival, and will permit
them to proceed without delay with the Chairman/their host direct
to the place reserved for them.
- As appropriate to the function, a copy of the toast list or
agenda showing the order of proceedings should be forwarded to the
Chairman’s Secretary as soon as possible and no later than five
days before the event.
- The Chairman will be accompanied by a Chauffeur/Attendant and
he should be advised of parking facilities and of the anticipated
time the event will end.
When deputising for the Chairman of
the Council, the Vice-Chairman is to be accorded the same
precedence as would be given to the Chairman.
Addressing
- When speaking to the Chairman, he or she should be addressed as
“Mr Chairman” or ”Madam Chairman” respectively.
Coat of Arms
The Dover District Council Coat of Arms, which was granted
on 19th October 1987, is based on that of the Cinque Ports, since
the District contains two Ports, including the Chief Port, and also
a Limb. The three gold ship/lions are shown on alternate red and
blue backgrounds, the sterns of the ships being based on the Arms
of Sandwich while the colouring follows those of Dover. The crest
shows the white horse of Kent in conjunction with a castle,
symbolising the civic nature of the Arms and the military
significance of Dover, Walmer, Deal and Richborough Castles. The
supporters, two sea horses, again depict the Kentish horse and
represent the maritime connections of the District. The military
importance of the District is also alluded to by the supporters,
which each carry a sword and wear a gold naval crown around the
neck. The Coat of Arms does not incorporate a motto.
Functions
To request the Chairman’s presence at an event contact:
The Chairman’s Secretary
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
Tel: 01304 872003
E-mail: chairmanoffice@dover.gov.uk
Following agreement to the Chairman’s attendance at a function,
the completed Civic Engagement Information Sheet should be returned
to the Mayor’s Secretary.
Contact The Chairman’s Secretary
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
Tel: 01304 872003
E-mail: chairmanoffice@dover.gov.uk
