Minutes:
Announcement by Councillor R Cook
Councillor R Cook announced that this was his last meeting as a member of Council. He considered standing again but said that he is not as young as he used to be. He has contested every election since 1965 and lost a few but won many more. He has had a fantastic time and had support from lots of people.
He has seen lots of changes including two Committee structure changes and the present Cabinet structure. His first appointment was to the Sewage and SewageCauses Committee. He recalled a time when he dangled fish in water to see how long it survived.
He will sit as a member of public when he leaves and attend Freeman events too as he is very proud to be a Freeman of the Borough. He has received support from past and present members of staff and the public and he is very grateful for all the support he has been given. He has memories that he will carry to his grave.
He wished good fortune to everyone at this Council.
Announcement by the Mayor
The Mayor thanked Councillor Ron Cook for his contribution to Council and as Mayor over the years.
Announcement by Councillor J Faulkner
Hopes that Councillor Ron Cook enjoys his retirement and thanked him for his contribution over the years.
Announcement by Councillor D Cook
Councillor D Cook thanked Councillor Ron Cook and said it had been an honour to work with him. He has known him since he had been President of the Conservative Party in Tamworth.
Announcement by Councillor R McDermid
Councillor McDermid said that he came to public office to work for the Community which is the Heart of Tamworth and he does his best to inspire the people out there. He had a weird experience on holiday, while walking down the street he met Councillor Ron Cook. Councillor Cook’s expertise and enthusiasm are second to none and he wished him and his wife well in his retirement.
Announcement by Councillor K Gant
Councillor Gant announced that he had known Councillor Ron Cook since 1952 and they were in the forces together. He described Councillor Cook as a very affable, well meaning person on Spital Ward and everyone has a high regard for him. He has done his best for everyone. Both Councillor Ken Gant and Councillor Maureen Gant gave their best regards for a long and happy retirement.
Announcement by Councillor J Garner
Councillor Garner paid tribute to Councillor Ron Cook. In 1979 they were on opposite sides of the Chamber. The pattern bears no resemblance to today and there is a far better management style. He wished him well for his retirement.
Announcement by Councillor A James
Councillor James said that Councillor Ron Cook had paid great service to the town and although he is retiring from the Council, he will still be out there pounding the streets. He wished him luck and thanked him very much.
Announcement by Councillor G Pinner
Councillor Pinner and Councillor Ron Cook go back a very long way. They met before an election meeting and went to the Bulls Head, it was all downhill from there. He then thanked Councillor Cook and wished him all the best.
Announcement by Councillor S Peaple
Councillor Peaple first met Councillor Ron Cook in 1990 and a year later they were on the Leisure Committee. One night they were sorting out the charges for the Castle and they couldn’t decide how to vote so after the meeting they went to the pub to sort it out ready for the next meeting. As a young Councillor he debated and argued but always had a personal approach with good humour. Councillor Cook spoke to his sister and said thank goodness there is one other Tory here at the ball (this was some years ago). He was delighted to see Councillor Cook made a Freeman of the Borough and looked forward to seeing him at future events.
Announcement by Councillor M Greatorex
Councillor Greatorex has only known Councillor Ron Cook for two years but as a new member he had taken the opportunity to observe him in meetings and in group meetings. He has taken the lead from him by watching to see if he nods or shakes his head. He thanked Councillor Cook for the courtesy he has shown Councillor Greatorex and other new members and wished him well for the future.
Announcement by Councillor R Pritchard
Councillor R Pritchard added his own words of thanks to Councillor Ron Cook and said he had done them proud.
BMX Track Announcement
Councillor R Pritchard advised that construction of the grant funded Community Play BMX track should begin in about two weeks. A lot of work has gone into this and he would like to take this opportunity to extend his thanks to The Belgrave Residents Association, Tamworth BMX Club, Staffordshire County Council, the Highways Agency and many local residents for making this happen. Finally he gave special thanks to Andrew Barratt, who is a credit to this Council and has been a great help getting this project to its end.