A Remembrance Day foul up led to bad blood in the West Wight over wreath-laying duties.
The issue led to one senior councillor to consider resigning, saying he felt embarrassed by the confusion.
Each year, the 3 parish and town councils in the area — Freshwater, Totland and Yarmouth — all lay a wreath at a chosen war memorial.
This year’s parade took place in Totland with representatives including the fire service and lifeboat. But missing from the service was a representative from Freshwater Parish Council, who usually send their chair.
In a ‘mix-up’ though, Councillor Daniel James turned up at All Saints’ Church in Freshwater, despite prior arrangements, ‘without’ his ceremonial chains and council-branded wreath.
Cllr James said he received an email on the Friday before, from another parish councillor, saying he was expected at All Saints.
When he attended on Sunday though and saw vice-chairman Councillor George Cameron present to lay the wreath instead, he said he asked another councillor to attend Totland but it was too late.
Cllr James said he could not be in 2 places at once but the administrative mix-up saw someone else lay the wreath at Totland later that day. Cllr Cameron, however, said he had been following previous tradition, in an ‘idiot-proof strategy’, when the chairman had to attend a different memorial service.
It was claimed Cllr James took the council wreath from Cllr Cameron, who has since said he now feels as if he was not acknowledged or recognised and admits he seriously thought about resigning. He said:
“I felt embarrassed as people noticed what was happening. Little did I know there was no wreath presentation at Totland at all.
“I was very disappointed for the parish. It should not have happened. It is not a mistake or oversight, it was set in place.
“As vice-chair I feel like I have not represented the people who elected me because of the way it turned out.
“People have come to me and asked why we were not there but I find it difficult to explain. I just hope it does not happen again.”
When asked about Cllr Cameron’s response, Cllr James said it was news to him and nothing had been communicated to him.
Cllr James said the procedure had not changed, it was a simple mix-up.
Cllr Cameron has said he will add an agenda item on to the next meeting, so the matter can be clarified and that all councillors will know exactly what has happened.
Wish I hadn’t read that. Need to lie down.
And they are actually claiming meeting expenses from us, as council taxpayers to discuss this drivel – they all need to quit
The councillors need to put their egos to one side and remember what it is that’s really important on that day. REMEMBRANCE
Absolutely
Councillors are really self important pretentious pillocks.
He said its ‘idiot-proof did he forget he is a councillor
Anyone else hear Circus music when reading this article
One phrase comes to mind –
Drama Queen!
Oh my goodness, would of been better organised by children. They all seem to of forgotten the day was NOT about them. It was about all of our fallen heroes. They need to get proper jobs?
Gentlemen your egotistical attitudes and bickering show you for what you are. Speaking as a Veteran you disgust me to my very core. On the day we remember our fallen brothers and sisters laying down their lives for us, during conflicts around the world.
What is possibly worse is that you’re unaware of the picture you’ve painted of your “need “ to be seen being important. After all this now appears why you’ve entered “public” office.
You’re a disgrace but to that end you don’t seem to care how you’re position is now degraded.
“We will remember them” whilst you nurse your egos!!
WELL SAID.