Agenda item

The Chairman stated that West Berkshire Council was saddened to learn of the death of former district councillor David Rendel. Mr Rendel had served as a district councillor for 16 years representing the wards of St Johns, Craven, Thatcham North and Thatcham Central. He was also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Newbury constituency for 12 years.

Councillor Alan Macro commented that David had worked tirelessly as both a District Councillor and as an MP. He had left a lasting legacy for the residents of West Berkshire including his work on the Newbury Bypass, West Berkshire Community Hospital, the Newbury Cinema and had helped save Greenham Common for the residents of the District. Councillor Macro commented that David believed in social justice. He believed that as he had been afforded a good start in life others should have the opportunities that he had benefitted from too. He was a gentlemen, always courteous, had great integrity and boundless energy.

Councillor Roger Croft stated that, on behalf of the Council, he would like to send condolences to David's family and friends. He noted that David was a true public servant who spent a great deal of his life representing local people in Parliament and on the district council. He commented that David was a well-liked and respected man and someone who made his mark on the Council. Councillor Peter Argyle noted that he had written to David’s family to express the Council’s condolences.

Councillor Mollie Lock stated that David was both a friend and colleague who had passed away at a tragically young age. He had the ability to get people to listen to him but also always listened to the views of others. She sent her best wishes to David’s wife Sue and their two sons.

Councillor Adrian Edwards commented that this was a sad time. Although he was not always in agreement with David he always respected him for his great debating skills and enormous energy. Councillor Edwards stated that David was a people’s man and he had never heard him utter a bad word against anyone. He also commented that David’s wife Sue was always a great supporter of her husband and that his passing would be a great loss to the district and to his family.

Councillor Gordon Lundie stated that David had many great qualities; he always treated people with courtesy and respect, had a very forensic mind, he was a committed parliamentarian and local councillor and he did a lot to help local residents. Councillor Lundie summated that David was a gentleman, an intellect and a man of great integrity. 

Councillor Graham Pask commented that David’s loyalty to the people of West Berkshire was exemplary and the respect he commanded was clearly evident.

The Chairman asked the Council to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for David Rendel.

The Chairman then reported that he had attended 147 events over the past year, his Vice-Chairman had attended 38 events and he also thanked former Chairmen Councillors Jeff Beck and Adrian Edwards for attending three events on his behalf.

The Chairman thanked the Vice Chairman, Councillor Quentin Webb, for his support over the 2015/16 Municipal Year. He noted that Councillor Webb had acted with honour and dignity throughout the year.