Agenda item

Chair's Announcements

Minutes:

1)       Commonwealth Games

 

The Chairman, Councillor Dave Humphreys, made the following statement:

 

“Summer seems a long time ago now but, if I can, may I take you all back a few weeks to when the Commonwealth Games lit up the region in a truly momentous 11 days.  Warwickshire played a huge part in the spectacle, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the fantastic efforts that went into delivering the county's elements of the Games this summer. It was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to host such important events in Warwickshire and our county and, indeed, this Authority, certainly rose to that occasion. What we showcased to those who attended the Road Races and Lawn and Para-Bowls, along with the global audience of many millions, was truly Warwickshire at its very best.

 

The work that took place across Warwickshire County Council over two years is nothing short of remarkable and the fact that, in order to deliver such successful events, teams as diverse as County Highways, Trading Standards, Communications and Localities all co-ordinated perfectly is a testament to what an incredible organisation the County Council is and what we can achieve when we work together.

 

There are so many outstanding highlights from the 11 remarkable days of activity in Warwickshire, like the huge number of spectators lining the streets of Warwick for the road races and the packed live-site locations in Warwick and Leamington Spa that brought the games to life for so many residents who flocked to watch the action on the big screens.

 

But, as well as what we did see, there is what we didn't see.  Despite the closures of roads needed to host the road race, residents were able to move around on the day and transport networks were maintained throughout. The day passed without incident and very little complaint. It takes some serious planning to go under the radar like that.

 

So, I would like to extend the thanks of this Council to everyone who was involved in making the Commonwealth Games in Warwickshire the incredible spectacle that it was. While I have already noted the efforts of so many of our officers throughout the council, I would recommend for particular approval the dedication and professionalism of our project lead, Rachel Baconnet (pron. Bac-on-ay), and also of John Noakes and Aaron Corsi, all of whom went way beyond the extra mile in coordinating our Games activity.”

 

2) Former Councillor John Haynes

 

Councillor Dave Humphreys, Chairman, made the following statement:

 

“It is my sad duty to inform Council of the recent passing of former County Councillor John Haynes.

 

John, a Labour Councillor, served as a Warwickshire County Councillor for two decades between 1989 and 2009, including a year as Chairman.  However, he had served his community for much longer, winning his first election back in 1958 as an Exhall ward councillor on the former Bedworth Urban District Council. He was a popular local character, dedicated to the town of Bedworth, and the wider county, and had many stories to tell of his time in office.

 

Our condolences go to John’s wife Hilda and their family.”

 

Councillor Humphreys invited Council to stand for a minute’s silence in memory of Councillor Haynes before inviting Councillors to pay their own tributes.

 

Councillor Isobel Seccombe spoke in memory of John Haynes, noting his amiable character and commitment to the County with a particular interest in law and order.  She expressed commiserations to his family.

 

Councillor Pete Gilbert praised John Haynes’ passion for his community and his long service. He expressed his respect for him and expressed condolences to his family.  Councillor Gilbert considered John Haynes a local champion whose death was a great loss to the community. 

 

Councillor Sarah Boad expressed her sadness for the loss of a good servant to his community.  She noted that he was a community councillor who cared very deeply for the county. 

 

Councillor John Holland also paid tribute to John Haynes and his reputation as a hard working and conscientious councillor who would be sadly missed.