Agenda item

Presentation to Retiring Chairman

Minutes:

The Chairman paid tribute to the services of Councillor Bell during his term of office and presented a Past Chairman’s Medal to Councillor Bell incorporating the Council’s Coat of Arms as a token of the Council’s appreciation of his services during his period of office.  The Chairman also paid tribute to Councillor Bell’s wife and consort, Jennifer, who had been a great support to Councillor Bell during his period of office.

 

Further tributes to Councillor Bell’s ambassadorial service, the diligent, exceptional, professional and dignified way he had conducted himself during his term of office both locally, regionally, nationally and internationally were given by Councillor Henig (Leader of the Labour Group), Councillor Hopgood (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group), Councillor Shield (Leader of the Durham Independent Group), Councillor Henderson (on behalf of the Conservative Group), Councillor Shuttleworth (Leader of the Durham County Council Independent Group) and Councillor Thompson (on behalf of the Spennymoor Independent Group).

 

In response, Councillor Bell thanked both the incoming Chairman and all Councillors for the presentation and expressed his appreciation to all who had supported and assisted him during the year.  Councillor Bell particularly thanked Councillors Blakey, Brookes and Smith for their fundraising activities for his chosen charities, the North East District Resource Centre and Dementia Durham.  Councillor Bell thanked former Councillor Dixon for his support as Vice-Chairman throughout the year.

 

Councillor Bell offered his congratulations to Councillor Kellett and his consort and wished him well for his year in office.  Finally, Councillor Bell thanked his wife and consort, Jennifer, for her unwavering support throughout the year.

 

The Chairman then presented Jennifer with a gift in appreciation of her efforts in supporting Councillor Bell during his term of office.

 

Councillor Bell informed Council that over £20,000 had been raised for his chosen charities during his term of office and presented a cheque for £5,000 to the North East Disability Resource Centre.  A number of dementia clubs in County Durham would receive cheques for £500.