Agenda and minutes

Announcement made by the Mayor are attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

To consider whether to confer on any persons who have rendered eminent service to the borough, the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

                        Nomination by the Residents’ Group

                        Frances Ridgley

                        Nomination by the Conservative Group

                        Mark Sweetingham of the Romford Recorder

                        Nomination by the Independent Residents’ Group

                        Donald Poole

                        Nomination by the Labour Group

                        Theresa Murray

Councillor Clarence Barrett proposed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Frances Ridgley, in recognition in particular of her service to Cranham Boys Brigade and Havering Astronomical Society.  

Councillor Gillian Ford seconded the proposal, which was also supported by Councillor Ron Ower, and greeted with general applause.

The proposal was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED,by 48 votes to 0 (see voting division 1) and it was RESOLVED:

To confer upon Ms Frances Ridgley the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

The Mayor announced that Ms Ridgley was unable to be presentand so would be presented with her award at a later date.

Councillor Roger Evans proposed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Mr Mark Sweetingham, of the Romford Recorder in recognition of his long service as editor and as a Governor of Bower Park School

Councillor Geoffrey Starns seconded the proposal.

The proposal was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED,by 48 votes to 0 (see division 2) and it was RESOLVED:

To confer upon Mr Mark Sweetingham the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

The Mayor then congratulated Mr Sweetingham and, to Members’ applause, presented to him the Badge and Grant of the Freedom.

            Councillor Jeffrey Tucker proposed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Mr Donald Poole in recognition, in particular, of his service as a School Governor at Rainham Village School.

Councillor Michael Deon Burton seconded the proposal which was also supported by Councillor Michael Deon Burton.

The proposal was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED,by 49 votes to 0 (see division 3) and it was RESOLVED:

To confer upon Mr Donald Poole the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

The Mayor then congratulated Mr Poole and, to Members’ applause, presented him the Badge and Grant of the Freedom.

Councillor Keith Darvill proposed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Ms Theresa Murray in recognition, in particular, of her work with the Transport Service of the Council and her fund raising for charity.

Councillor Paul McGeary seconded the proposal. 

The proposal was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED,by 49 votes to 0 (see division 4) and it was RESOLVED:

To confer upon Ms Theresa Murray the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

The Mayor then congratulated Ms Murray and, to Members’ applause, presented her the badge and Grant of the Freedom.

To consider whether to confer on the following former Members, each of whom has rendered eminent service to the Council, the office of Honorary Alderman:

Peter Marsden (nominated by the Administration)

Alby Tebbutt (nominated by the Administration)

Councillor Roger Ramsey proposed that the office of Honorary Alderman be conferred upon Peter Marsden in recognition of his service as a former Councillor and former Mayor.

Councillor Peter Gardner seconded the proposal.

The proposal was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED,by 49 votes to 0 (see division 5) and it was RESOLVED:

To confer upon Mr Peter Marsden the office of Honorary Alderman.

The Mayor then congratulated Mr Marsden and, to Members’ applause, presented him the award of Honorary Alderman.

Councillor Steven Kelly proposed that the office of Honorary Alderman be conferred upon Henry Albert (Alby) Tebbutt in recognition in particular of his long service as a former Councillor.

Councillor Jeffrey Brace seconded the proposal which was also supported by Councillors Jeffrey Tucker, Barry Tebbutt and Paul Rochford.

The proposal received 31 votes in favour to 18 against. As this was less than the required two thirds votes in favour of those Members present and voting, the proposal was NOT CARRIED.

The Mayor will make a presentation to the Mayor’s Cadet for 2012/13 – Lucy May Goddard of C611 Hornchurch Cadet Division, St John Ambulance.                                    

The Mayor thanked the fourth Mayor’s Cadet of Havering, Lucy May Goddard of C611 Harold Hill Cadet Division St John Ambulance for her services during the Mayoralty. As the Cadet was unable to attend, a presentation would be made at a later date.