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Minutes:
The Chairman (Councillor J Jones) welcomed Members, guests and the public to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.
He reminded Members of the recent sad news relating to former Councillor Bryan Smalley, who had passed away. Bryan had represented Much Hadham ward on the District Council from 1976 until 1991 and had also been a County Councillor. The funeral thanksgiving service was taking place on 17 May 2018, at 1.30 pm, at St Andrew’s church in Much Hadham. As a mark of respect, Members stood and observed a minute’s silence.
On a happier note, the Chairman was pleased to welcome some special local residents who had received MBEs in this year’s Queen’s New Year Honours list. He introduced Derek Clarke, Rebecca Foster and James Williams.
Derek Clarke had been honoured for services to young people in Hertfordshire. He had joined The Broxbourne School as head of physics in 1969. His hard work, dedication and outstanding commitment had been instrumental to introducing young people to outdoor pursuits, as well as helping them to achieve excellent, academic results. In 1973, he had become head of the Outdoor Club, organising many youth hostelling and mountaineering trips abroad. He had headed up the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, organising hundreds of Bronze and Gold expeditions. Under his leadership, the school’s involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme had flourished with a very high uptake from students. He had also organised numerous ‘Mountain Aid’ charity fundraising events and, as a talented violinist, took part in many musical events. On his retirement from the Broxbourne School in 2005, he left behind a legacy with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme that continued to enrich pupils’ school experiences.
Rebecca Foster was a champion for inclusive sport. A course leader for physical education and a senior lecturer in Adapted PE at the University of Worcester, she had been recognised for services to inclusive sport and supporting young people to achieve their potential. Rebecca had been a key player in the development of sporting opportunities for women and disabled people. She had been a volunteer with UK Deaf Sport for over 11 years, which had led her to three consecutive Deaflympics as athletics coach and team manager. At the university, she had set up a ‘Sign circle’ to increase the number of people able to communicate by sign language. She had also developed a module within the Physical Education degree pathway titled ‘Teaching Special Education and Disability Physical Education in Schools’ and was responsible for ensuring modules ran across academic institutes, enhancing the diversity of choice for students. Her work was among that which had led to the institution being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2016. Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, had said “Rebecca’s work to include people in education, sport and society is simply inspirational.” She had also been recognised for her remarkable dedication towards her students, acting not only as an educator but as a friend, confidante and inspiring motivator.
James Williams had been nominated for his MBE by a former High Sheriff supported in particular by other past High Sheriffs, which had demonstrated the high regard in which he had been held. He had served as Under Sheriff of Hertfordshire from 1993 until 2016 and remained Secretary of the High Sheriffs' Association of England & Wales. As Under Sheriff, he had engaged with many facets of the life of the county, but in particular with the courts, police and other institutions involved in the administration of justice and the maintenance of law and order. As such, he had been an important part of the "glue"? of Hertfordshire for many years. He had gathered a great deal of knowledge about the shrievalty over those years and as Secretary of the High Sheriffs' Association he remained the go-to person for advice on the office of High Sheriff.
The Chairman invited each award recipient to come forward and receive a certificate in recognition of their achievements.
The Chairman also referred to two other East Herts residents who had been honoured but had been unable to attend the meeting. Dr Graham Hoare had received an OBE for services to the automotive industry and Cleveland Watkiss had received an MBE for services to music.
As this was his last meeting as Chairman, he thanked Members for giving him the opportunity to represent the Council over the past year. He spoke of the honour and pleasure to serve as Chairman and to represent the Council at over 110 events. He thanked the Vice-Chairman for his support in attending numerous events as well.
The Chairman referred to some of these events and was delighted to announce that over £8,000 had been raised for his chosen charities, Isabel Hospice and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported the various events.
The Chairman referred to three particular highlights of the past year - judging the East Herts Dog Show, attending the High Sherriff’s Garden Party in Sarratt and representing the District with Councillor N Symonds at the Royal Garden Party.
Finally, the Chairman introduced a brief slide show which he thought better explained his time as Chairman.
The Leader thanked the Chairman and congratulated him on his year. She spoke of his sense of humour, his inclusive approach in dealing with people and the support given to him by his wife. The Leader moved, and Councillor S Rutland-Barsby seconded, a motion that the Council place on record, its thanks for the Chairman’s year of service. After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.
RESOLVED – that Councillor J Jones be thanked for his year of service as Chairman.