Agenda and minutes

To receive notice of any Declarations of Interest from Members.

There were no declarations of interest received.

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 Councillor John Miles Chapman 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 Councillor John Miles Chapman be conferred the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of his eminent service rendered on behalf of the Council and the 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 Councillor John Miles Chapman who had accepted the nomination.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Graham Jones and seconded by Councillor Tim Metcalfe:

“That the Council confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor John Miles Chapman.”

In proposing former Councillor Chapman Councillor Jones reported that he had served as a West Berkshire Councillor for 27 years and continued to serve as a Purley Parish Councillor as he had done for the past 36 years. Former Councillor Chapman had a wide range of interests which served him so well is a role as a community representative. These included Education (he had served as governor on a number of local schools and he was also an Ofsted Inspector), was a member of Purley Volunteer Centre, was the author of a flooding report, oversaw the introduction of all properties in the district receiving ‘wheelie bins’ in his role as Portfolio Holder, had written a number of military books and was a railway enthusiast. As a Councillor he was always willing to provide new Members with kindly advice. Councillor Jones noted that former Councillor Chapman was always very much his ‘own man’ and always did what he felt was the best for the people of West Berkshire.

Councillor Metcalfe in seconding the nomination noted that former Councillor Chapman had an impressive depth of knowledge and was always a useful source of information for him when he needed advice on resolving a resident’s issue. He felt that the honour could not be bestowed on a more worthy recipient.

Councillor Jeff Brooks congratulated former Councillor Chapman on his nomination. He noted that former Councillor Chapman was a man of great standing and integrity and he was delighted with his recommendation given his immense contribution to the people of West Berkshire.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Honorary Alderman Chapman thanked the Council for bestowing the honour on him. He explained that as a historian he was more conscious than most about the great honour that was being bestowed on him. Honorary Alderman Chapman noted that in his former career he had the opportunity to work with a number of councils across the region and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.