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V26-1489 : COMMUNICATIONS

(a) Councillors not Standing for Re-Election

The Chairman informed members that this would be the last meeting for a number of Councillors as they were not seeking re-election in May. They were Councillors Whatling, Whatrup, Lewars, Punter, Stewart, Bellham and Chipperfield.

The Chairman made special mention however, to the pending retirement of Councillor Chipperfield owing to his long service with this Council and the former Lowestoft Borough Council. Councillor Chipperfield had served with Lowestoft Borough Council for eight years and with this Council for 16 years. He was Chairman of the Council during the municipal year 1990/91. The Chairman paid tribute to Tom's commitment, involvement and hard work within the community he served and, on behalf of the Council, thanked him for his outstanding service, with a special mention of the support from his wife.

The Chief Executive also paid tribute to Councillor Chipperfield's work on the Council and thanked him on behalf of the Management Team and staff. In paying tribute to Councillor Chipperfield, the Chief Executive mentioned a number of incidences which typified Councillor Chipperfield's approach and commitment to his task as a Councillor. He made special mention of the relationship built up during the time Councillor Chipperfield was Chairman, especially the support which Tom had clearly received from his wife Maud during this period. In concluding, the Chief Executive expressed the privilege he felt in working with Councillor Chipperfield with a special thank you for the service his wife had given to the Council during the year he was the Chairman of the Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bostock, endorsed all the comments made by the Chairman of the Council and the Chief Executive, and acknowledged the valuable contribution not only Councillor Chipperfield had given to the Council, but also all those Councillors who were retiring this time. She also made special mention and wished all those Councillors who were seeking re-election luck in their campaigns.

Councillor Rose, on behalf of the Conservative Group, expressed his best wishes to Councillor Chipperfield and his wife, and acknowledged the commitment and hard work that Councillor Chipperfield had put in over the years, not only to the service of his ward but also the Council.
Councillor Crisp, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, congratulated Councillor Chipperfield for all the work he had achieved during his term of office and wished him and his wife well for the future.

Councillor Cracknell, on behalf of the United Beccles Group, expressed a vote of thanks to Councillor Chipperfield, particularly during his term as Chairman of the Council, specifically when Councillor Cracknell was Mayor of Beccles. He made special mention of not only the special relationship Councillor Chipperfield had with Beccles during this period but also the support of Councillor Chipperfield's wife.

In reply, Councillor Chipperfield expressed his appreciation for all the kind words and special mentions and acknowledged that he had enjoyed much of his time as Councillor. He particularly highlighted the pleasure he derived from canvassing his ward and his attempts to try and knock at every door within his ward. He gave a number of anecdotal examples of the types of situations he came across when canvassing but now felt that, owing to an old sporting injury causing him pain, he would no longer be able to canvass in the way he felt he should. He thanked the officers and Councillors for the help they had given him over his period of office.

(b) Civic Reception

The Chairman reminded members that his Civic Reception would be held at Parkhill Hotel, Oulton, on Sunday, 18 April 1999 and this was the last chance to obtain tickets to that function.

(c) Kosovo

The Chairman made mention of the growing disaster and appalling circumstances of the refugees from the Yugoslav republic of Kosovo and, in response to this appalling refugee suffering, Councillor Rouse had circulated to all members of the Council a leaflet which gave details on how to donate to the charities involved in the disaster relief. He highlighted the fact that the best way of supporting the charities involved in this disaster was to send money. This was because the money was spent close to the area, which in turn supported the local economy. Councillor Rouse was also looking for labels, tapes and boxes to enable goods to be sent to the area.

The Leader of the Council, Stella Bostock, reiterated the responsibility of the international community as far as their involvement in the conflict. She reminded members of the conflicts in the past including Bosnia, the persecution of the Jews and the ethnic cleansing that had already been committed in different parts of the World.

The Chief Executive highlighted the extract from the Eastern Daily Press, which had accompanied the donation form circulated at the meeting, detailing the Suffolk Action Team's involvement in collecting relief for the displaced refugees in Kosovo. He suggested that if any people wished to organise anything for Kosovo that they co-ordinate their effort through the Suffolk Action Team. He also informed members of the action already taken by the Council to ensure that staff were informed of the relevant information so that they could give it out to callers and visitors to the Council's offices. He also reported a request he had received from the Local Government Association regarding information about the availability of Local Authority accommodation for the reception of refugees. He informed members that he would be using his emergency delegated powers to move quickly and decisively if and when requests for refugee help came from the Home Office in the short term, and would keep members informed as and when necessary.


Volume 26 Minute 1489

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