Minutes:
Councillor Angold-Stephens addressed the Council on his year of office. The Chairman again welcomed new and re-elected members to the meeting and expressed thanks to the service given by those members who had not sought re-election. He paid special tribute to former Councillor Diana Collins who had given many years of dedicated service to the Council including five years as Leader of the Council. The Chairman welcomed former Councillor Collins to the meeting. Councillor Angold-Stephens expressed commiserations to those who had failed to get re-elected.
The Chairman reported on his attendance at events since the last meeting of the Council including the unveiling of a memorial at Chelmsford commemorating all the RAF stations based in Essex during World War Two including North Weald and Stapleford; the induction of the newly elected Epping Forest Youth Councillors; the annual general meeting of the Multiple Sclerosis Society for the region; the Essex Millennium Fund Awards at which two local organisations had been recognised – WAY 2000 in Waltham Abbey and Zinc in Ongar; the commencement of the deployment of street pastors in Loughton; the unveiling of a role of honour at the new Ongar and District War Memorial Medical Centre in honour of those who had given their lives in service to their country; and the St George’s Day Parade and National Scout Service at Windsor Castle at which the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had been present.
The Chairman advised that the last fundraising event for his charity had been a walk in Epping Forest led by Verderer, Richard Morris and this had included visits to the newly opened Retreat and the refurbished Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge. Councillor Angold-Stephens informed the Council that a new visitor centre for the Forest just outside of the District would be opening before the Olympic Games and he encouraged members to visit it.
Councillor Angold-Stephens stated that it had been a privilege and honour to represent the Council over the past year. He advised that his many visits as Chairman had left him better informed about the good work being undertaken by individuals and organisations throughout the District.
The Chairman stated that during his year of office he had attended in excess of 100 events, the majority together with his wife, Jill. He thanked the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Rolfe and his wife Una for their support during the year.
Councillor Angold-Stephens referred to the Golf Day and the White Water Rafting event held in support of his charity. He advised that he had raised between £6,500 and £7,000 during his year of office and he thanked members and officers for their support including support for his recent abseil of the water tower at Church Langley.
The Chairman thanked Pat Seager, Chairman’s Secretary, for her support during the year and he emphasised her attention to detail which had prepared him for every eventuality. He drew attention to Pat’s organisation of the Civic Awards event which in his view was an example for all other authorities to follow.
Councillor Angold-Stephens thanked members for being well behaved at Council meetings during a year when difficult financial decisions had to be made.
In conclusion the Chairman thanked his wife, Jill for her support during the year and he invited her to the well of the chamber to receive a bouquet.
Councillors J M Whitehouse, Murray, Whitbread, Pond and the Acting Chief Executive, D Macnab, on behalf of the staff, expressed their appreciation for the hard work and enthusiasm shown by Councillor Angold-Stephens during his year of office.