Minutes:
Stanley Crook Primary School
The Chairman extended a warm welcome to pupils and staff from Stanley Crook Primary School and hoped they found their visit an interesting experience.
Retirement of Director of Public Health
The Chairman informed the Council that Anna Lynch, Director of Public Health was to retire from the Council at the end of June, with Gill O’Neill being appointed to the post on an interim basis until a formal appointment was made.
Councillor Henig, Leader of the Council praised the Director of Public Health for her distinguished career across health and local government. She had identified where areas of health priority should be and had established excellent joint working with Health Service colleagues. Councillor Henig thanked the Director for her service and wished her well for a happy retirement.
Councillor Stelling, Leader of the Durham Independent Group echoed the words of Councillor Henig.
Councillor Temple, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group praised the Director of Public Health for her passion and commitment to health and to closing the gap between the health of residents of County Durham and the rest of the country.
Councillor R Bell, Leader of the Conservative Group praised the Director of Public Health who had done a tremendous job and was always helpful.
Queen’s Birthday Honours
The Chairman placed on record congratulations to the following:
· Dr Peter Trewby of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust who had been awarded an OBE;
· Jean Johnson, Volunteer at Belmont Cheveley Park Primary School who had been awarded a BEM;
· Audrey and Edward Stringer who had received BEM’s for services to young people in Burnopfield;
· Karl Wharton, Director of Deerness Gymnastics Academy who had been awarded an MBE.
Municipal Journal Achievement
The Chairman informed the Council that he was delighted to announce that the Council had won a Municipal Journal Achievement Award for ‘Excellence in Governance and Scrutiny’. The prestigious national award was presented to the Council that best demonstrated how excellent governance and scrutiny had added value to the way it conducted its business and delivered improved outcomes for residents. Judges were looking for aspirational approaches to decision-making, underpinned by a commitment to local democracy and insight from partners and communities.
Councillor Henig received the award which had been achieved thanks to the work of many people involved in the scrutiny and engagement process.
Charity Cycle Ride
The Chairman congratulated Councillor Brookes and Andrew Gilmore on the completion of their charity ride from the border of County Durham to the Welsh border and return in 24 hours to raise funds for Dementia Durham. Donations could be made through the Just Giving web page or through sponsorship forms which were available in Member Support.
Code of Conduct
The Chairman reminded all Members of their obligations under the Code of Conduct in treating each other with respect.