Agenda item

In accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillors Brian Bedwell, Jeff Brooks, Royce Longton, Joe Mooney and Andrew Rowles in recognition of the eminent service rendered on behalf of the Council and residents of West Berkshire over a period of time.

The Council considered Agenda Item 3 which proposed that former Councillors Brian Bedwell, Jeff Brooks, Royce Longton, Joe Mooney and Andrew Rowles be conferred the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of their eminent service rendered on behalf of the Council and residents of West Berkshire over a period of time.

The Chairman explained that the Local Government Act 1972 made provision for the appointment of former Councillors as Honorary Alderman to recognise the eminent service they provided above and beyond their normal duties. The Honorary Alderman needed to be advocates for their communities and needed to exhibit high standards of conduct and ethics. Members had discussed and agreed to the introduction of the scheme at the September 2011 Council meeting. The two Leaders had met and discussed potential candidates. Following these discussions it had been agreed to offer the title to former Councillors Brian Bedwell, Jeff Brooks, Royce Longton, Joe Mooney and Andrew Rowles who had all accepted.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Peter Argyle and seconded by Councillor Emma Webster:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Brian Bedwell.”

In proposing former Councillor Bedwell, Councillor Argyle reported that he had selflessly served the community for over 20 years in a dignified manner. Councillor Bedwell had been a personal mentor to him and also a very good friend.

Councillor Webster in seconding the nomination noted that former Councillor Bedwell had been described by a constituent as a ‘delight and a gentleman’ and he had been a great servant to his residents. His most significant achievement being the redevelopment of the Underwood Road precinct.

Councillor Graham Bridgman described former Councillor Bedwell as a consummate local councillor and a complete gentleman. Councillor Alan Macro noted that former Councillor Bedwell had always treated him very fairly during their electoral battles and that he had served his parish council very well for circa 25 years and that he thoroughly deserved this accolade.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED

Honorary Alderman Bedwell thanked the Council for bestowing the honour on him. He stated that he was overwhelmed and that the bestowing of this title on him was an honour and a privilege. He also commented that he had been fortunate to have worked with many fine Officers and Members during the 22 years he had served on the Council. He thanked all those present for their kind words.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Alan Macro and seconded by Councillor Graham Jones:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Jeff Brooks.”

In proposing former Councillor Brooks, Councillor Macro noted that former Councillor Brooks had served the people of West Berkshire in many capacities including as a member of the Fire Authority, Berkshire County Council and as a town and district Councillor. He noted that former Councillor Brooks had served his community for over 30 years and continued to do so.

Councillor Jones in seconding the proposal thanked former Councillor Brooks for the eminent service he had provided. He also thanked all other former Councillors present at the meeting for their contribution. In particular he wished to thank former Councillors Bedwell and Mooney for their support over the years.

Councillor Jones stated that although former Councillor Brooks had been his principle adversary for many years they had managed to become good friends. They had traded humour and put downs and as a result he believed it had made Councillor Jones a better Leader.

Councillor Gordon Lundie also thanked all the former Councillors that were present for the commitment and selflessness that they had shown during their years of service. He lamented the loss of some good Councillors following the May election and noted that the Liberal Democrat Group had to some extent been the victim of the fact that nationally they had opted to do the ‘right thing’ in 2010.

Councillor Lundie stated that he missed the valuable contribution made by Councillor Brooks as well as his passion and incisive mind.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Honorary Alderman Jeff Brooks thanked the Council for conferring the title on him. He commented that he had been re-assured that by accepting the title he would not be precluded from standing for election again in the future should he chose to do so. He stated that this was a massive privilege and he thanked all those that had nominated him for the role.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Alan Macro and seconded by Councillor Graham Jones:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Royce Longton.”

In proposing former Councillor Longton, Councillor Macro noted that he had been a Councillor for over 20 years and a parish councillor for over 30 years.

Councillor Jones in seconding the proposal thanked former Councillor Longton for the eminent service he had provided. He stated that his curriculum vitae in local government was unequalled in this chamber. Although they had had disagreements, often publicly, he recognised Councillor Longton’s personal integrity and passion.

Councillor Carol Jackson-Doerge stated that former Councillor Longton, who had served as her co–councillor, was known as a maverick in Burghfield. He shared an amazing connection with the residents, kept them well informed, was a true rock and was a much loved member of the community.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Honorary Alderman Royce Longton thanked the Council for conferring the title on him. He stated that it had been a privilege and a pleasure to represent the people of Burghfield. He thanked his fellow Members and staff who had made it a pleasure to be a councillor. He also noted that in West Berkshire, Members of the two political groups had not resorted to personal attacks and he hoped that this working practice would continue.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Tony Linden and seconded by Councillor Keith Chopping:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Joe Mooney.”

In proposing former Councillor Mooney, Councillor Linden noted that he had served as a councillor for nearly 26 years. As the Executive Member for Adult Social Care he had been involved in the re-organisation of the service. He had undertaken this role with great humanity and was deeply concerned with the wellbeing of older residents.

Councillor Chopping in seconding the proposal thanked former Councillor Mooney for the eminent service he had provided. He stated that Councillor Mooney was a great mentor, was extremely kind to him when he was first elected and was a great example to new councillors. He was a diligent Ward Member, an assiduous Executive Member and a great credit to the Council.

Councillor Hilary Cole stated that he was a great mentor to her and that he fulfilled his role as the Executive Member for Adult Social Care with great passion. She noted that Councillor Mooney was well respected by employees and that they still asked after him.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Honorary Alderman Joe Mooney thanked the Council for conferring the role on him. He stated that his time as the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care was the most fulfilling role that he had undertaken and that he missed this work enormously.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Anthony Stansfeld and seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Andrew Rowles.”

In proposing former Councillor Rowles, Councillor Stansfeld noted that former Councillor Rowles despite living in Inkpen was well liked and respected in all the villages (Combe, Enborne, Hamstead Marshall, Inkpen, Kintbury, Welford and West Woodhay) within the Kintbury Ward. He had been a huge help to his co-councillor and was always happy to share advice and knowledge.

Councillor Cole in seconding the proposal thanked former Councillor Rowles for the eminent service he had provided. Councillor Cole noted that when chairing planning meetings, Councillor Rowles was always very courteous in his dealings with all Members as well as the public attending the meeting. He worked exceptionally hard and was well respected in his Ward. She described him as a kind and courteous man.

Councillor Jeff Beck commented that he had known Councillor Rowles for more years than he cared to remember. It had been a privilege to work with him and he was a true champion of his residents. He carried out his duties in a calm, resolute manner and always showed great humility.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Honorary Alderman Andrew Rowles thanked the Council for conferring the role on him. He stated that it was a great honour and he thanked Members and Officers for their support over the many years he was a Councillor.