Minutes:
(a) Death of Mrs Brenda Simpson
The Chairman informed the Council with great regret of the death of Mrs Brenda Simpson on Wednesday 14 December 2011. Mrs Simpson was the Conservative Member for Swale Central from 2005 until 2009.
Mr Bowles and Mr Willicombe gave tributes to Mrs Simpson.
(b) Death of Mr Terence Pears
The Chairman informed the Council with great regret of the death of Mr Terry Pears on Christmas Eve. Mr Pears was the Conservative Member for Canterbury North from 1989 until 2001. The Chairman stated it had been her privilege to bestow the office of Honorary Alderman on Mr Pears at the December meeting although, unfortunately, he was not well enough to attend the meeting and accept the award.
Mr Harrison, Mr Simmonds and Mr Vye gave tributes to Mr Pears.
(c) Death of Mr John Francis
The Chairman informed the Council with great regret of the death of Mr John Francis on 4 January 2012. Mr Francis was the Conservative Member for Medway South East from 1990 to 1993.
Mr Ferrin gave a tribute to Mr Francis.
(d) Death of Mr Dave Lee
The Chairman informed the Council with great regret of the death of Mr Dave Lee, comedian, entertainer, tireless charity worker and Kent resident. Mr Lee was well known within the County for his regular appearances at the Marlow Theatre, particularly the annual pantomime, and for his charity work through ‘Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays’, providing holidays for disabled, sick and underprivileged children in Kent.
Mr Lee received an MBE for his charity work in 2003 and was the first recipient of the Kent Invicta Award in 2008. More recently, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Canterbury in recognition of: “The great and lasting enjoyment that he has given to the people of Canterbury district over very many years; in particular in his comedy performances, his tireless fundraising work and support for local charities and, of course, as the Marlowe Theatre’s regular Dame in pantomime, never forgetting 'The Bench’”. He was due to receive his award at a special meeting of Canterbury City Council at the end of January.
Mr Lee made an outstanding contribution to the County and would be remembered for bringing so much happiness to so many people through his comedy and his charity work.
Mr Marsh, Mrs Law, Mr Daley and Mr Cowan gave tributes to Mr Lee.
At the end of the tributes, all Members stood in silence in memory of Mrs Simpson, Mr Pears, Mr Francis and Mr Lee.
After the silence, it was moved by the Chairman, seconded by the Vice Chairman and:
Resolved unanimously: that this Council desires to record the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of three of its former Members: Mrs Simpson, Mr Pears, Mr Francis; and also Mr Dave Lee and extends to their family and friends our heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavements.
(e) New Year’s Honours
The Chairman stated that it was her great pleasure to inform the County Council of the following Awards in the New Year’s Honours list:
Knights Bachelor
Knighthood
Sir Roger James Gale, MP for North Thanet – for public and political services
Orders of the British Empire
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Mr Jeremy Alan Kite, KCC Member for the Dartford Rural Electoral Division – for Services to Local Government in Dartford
The Chairman moved, the Vice Chairman seconded and it was:
Resolved unanimously: that this Council records its sincere congratulations to Sir Roger Gale and Mr Jeremy Kite, MBE for the Honours they have received.
(f) Kent Invicta Award
The Chairman reminded Members that the deadline for nominations for the Kent Invicta Award for 2012, 17 February 2012, was fast approaching. Any Member wishing to make a nomination should let Mr Sass have written details as soon as possible.