Agenda item

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Vice-Chairman of the Council formally reported the following deaths:-

·         The terrible and tragic news surrounding the sudden death of the Chairman and consort’s granddaughter, Megan Bell.  The Vice-Chairman asked that everyone  join with him in extending deepest sympathies to the Chairman, his consort and their families during this extremely sad time.

·         The sudden death of Dave Hopper, General Secretary of the Durham National Union of Mineworks for the Durham area and the North East.   Just over a week ago Dave had presided over the 132nd Durham Miners Gala, the 31st under his leadership and the greatest number of any General Secretary. The 2016 Gala attracted the largest crowd in 60 years and this achievement and the Galas to come would be his legacy.  The Council’s thoughts were with Dave’s family and those closest to him.

Finally, it was also with great sadness to formally report the deaths of:-

• two former Easington District Councillors  - Derek Thompson and Bill Peardon. Both had served as Chairman of the District Council in 1986/87 and 2000/01 respectively; and

• former Derwentside District Councillors, Sue Rothwell, the last Vice-Chair of the District Council before LGR and Syd Duggan who represented the Cornsay Ward on the District Council.

The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect.