To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, Leader, Cabinet Members or Chief Executive.
Minutes:
Councillor Alan Cockburn announced the passing of four ex-Councillors and Councillors since the last meeting of Council.
1) Ex-Councillor Stanley Birch – Ex-Councillor Stanley Birch, having been elected to Leamington Borough Council in 1964, joined Warwickshire County Council in 1970. He served the Council for 23 years and was Chair in 1989/90. He was Chair of the Police Authority between 1973 and 1987. In addition, Stanley Birch was active in the area of health being at one point the Chair of South Warwickshire Health Authority. As well as supporting the voluntary and community sector, Stanley Birch was instrumental in the setting up of the first women’s refuge in Warwickshire.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) acknowledged the life and work of Stanley Birch having met him when he was Chair of the Police Authority.
Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) had known Stanley Birch and acknowledged him as a good servant to the public.
2) Ex-Councillor Bernard Kirton – Ex-Councillor Bernard Kirton passed away on 7 April 2020.
Councillor Judy Falp opened the tributes stating that she had known Bernard Kirton for over 25 years. He was a mentor and a friend who was stubborn and hardworking and helped people quietly behind the scenes.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse remembered Bernard Kirton’s negotiating skills; making sure that the people of Whitnash benefitted from any deals needing to be made.
Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi recounted how he had been persuaded by Bernard Kirton to stand as a councillor. He would always be remembered as the “King of Whitnash”.
Councillor Sarah Boad stated that she had often sat next to Bernard Kirton at meetings and found him to be good company. He was also an early adopter of new technologies such as fax machines.
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers (Leader of the Green Group) stated that Bernard Kirton had acted as a fine role model to him.
Councillor John Holland noted how helpful Bernard Kirton had always been. He always sought to find out what people really wanted to achieve.
Councillor Neil Dirveiks informed Council that despite living in the north of Warwickshire he had known of Bernard Kirton all of his life. He commended Bernard Kirton for always speaking up for the people in his community.
3. Councillor Bill Olner – Councillor Bill Olner passed away on 18 May 2020 whilst still in office.
Councillor Helen Adkins (Acting Leader of the Labour Group) mourned the loss of a “political giant”. She stated that she had not previously known how appreciated he was by the community he served. He demonstrated tireless commitment to the most vulnerable and was a very kind person.
Councillor Jeff Morgan stated that Bill Olner and his wife Gill had been good friends to his parents. In 2003, on the occasion of Councillor Morgan’s Father’s 90th birthday Councillor Olner had arranged for a birthday card to be signed by Tony Blair. This reflected his generous personality.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse regarded Bill Olner as a good friend and observed what a good team Bill and Gill had been.
Councillor Maggie O’Rourke (Acting Deputy Leader of the Labour Group) regretted not being able to say goodbye properly to Bill Olner. She had known him for 20 years and had worked with him to secure pay increases for local NHS staff. He always did the very best for his town.
Councillor Dave Parsons had grown to know Bill Olner very quickly and really appreciated his integrity and humour. Having worked for Rolls Royce, Bill Olner became an MP serving in Westminster for 18 years. Bill Olner would now be resting in a good place.
Councillor John Holland recognised Bill Olner’s local and national reputation.
Councillor Judy Falp stated that Bill Olner was a true Labour man who worked hard for his community and the George Eliot Hospital and Mary Ann Evans Hospice.
Councillor Keith Kondakor recognised the political differences between himself and Bill Olner but always found him approachable. He could often be found chatting to people in the town centre on a Saturday morning.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe saw Bill Olner as a guiding light and a great friend to all.
Councillor Pete Gilbert had known Bill Olner all of his life. Bill, he said, was selfless and had secured him an internship at the Houses of Parliament.
4. Councillor Richard Chattaway – Councillor Richard Chattaway (Leader of the Labour Group) passed away on 19 June 2020 whilst still in office.
Councillor Helen Adkins stated that Richard Chattaway had led the Labour Group at the County Council with skill and dedication. He believed strongly in building consensus and also in picking the right battle. Warm and friendly he never complained when his health was failing, and he continued to work for the people of Warwickshire right up to the end.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe stated that Richard Chattaway had been a great friend to her. He was passionate about the community and about his Group on the Council. A staunch advocate of the forces community he always supported the Armed Forces Day and Armistice Day in Bedworth. He always sought ways in which the lives of people living in his community could be improved.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse got to know Richard Chattaway during a review of the Fire and Rescue Service. He had a fine eye for detail and would dedicate a great deal of time getting to understand the information presented to him. He was always ready to sit and discuss issues to find solutions and was a great friend to his community.
Councillor Jonathon Chilvers stated that he had always enjoyed spending time with Richard Chattaway who was always caring and professional.
Councillor Maggie O’Rourke stated that Richard Chattaway had always been a man of the people who had quietly raised a great deal of money for charities. His enthusiasm and commitment would never be forgotten.
Councillor Caroline Philips told the meeting that she felt blessed to have known Richard Chattaway. He had true Labour values, had served in the army, worked hard for the Armistice Day commemorations and was proud of his town of Bedworth. Following his retirement from full time employment he served night shifts at a residence for people with disabilities.
Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) expressed his thanks for the support that Richard Chattaway had given him concerning the Fire and Rescue Service.
Councillor Judy Falp recognised Richard Chattaway as strong Labour man who had displayed a high degree of thoroughness and dedication to his role.
Councillor Pete Gilbert had known Richard Chattaway for many years. He was passionate about his hometown and served his country and his community well.
Councillor John Holland stated that Richard Chattaway was always highly credible and cheerful. He would be sorely missed.