A Remembrance Day foul up led to a dispute 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.
Parade in Totland
Each year, the three 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 chairperson.
James: Expected in Freshwater
In a ‘mix-up’ though, Cllr 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 Cllr George Cameron present to lay the wreath instead, he said he asked another councillor to attend Totland, but it was too late.
James: Can’t be in two places at once
Cllr James said he could not be in two 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.
Cameron: Seriously thought about resigning
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.”
James: “News to me”
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.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
