Issue - meetings
Vote of Thanks to the retiring Chair and Vice-Chair
Meeting: 22/05/2024 - Council (Item 164)
Vote of thanks to the retiring Chair and Vice-Chair
To give a vote of thanks to the retiring Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council.
Minutes:
Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt, Chair of the Council, paid tribute to the work and contribution to Council by former Chair, Councillor Andrew Coles, and highlighted their graceful chairing of meetings and paid tribute to their stellar work in supporting their chosen charities. The Chair highlighted a quiz night held by Councillor Coles, stating it was a very enjoyable evening for worthwhile charities and causes.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, paid tribute to the work of Councillor Andrew Coles, adding that their integrity, honesty and transparency always shone through during their time in office, and stated the Council was very grateful.
Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development, also paid tribute to the work of Councillor Andrew Coles, highlighting their great friendship over many years. The Deputy Leader also announced that they had attended the 2024 Football League 1 Play-Off Final at Wembley, where Oxford United defeated Bolton Wanderers to gain promotion back to the Football League Championship after 25 years outside the second tier.
In return, Councillor Andrew Coles highlighted that the year they served in the Chair had been one of challenges, adding that refurbishment of Council meeting rooms had played a part in such challenges. The Chair gave an overview of the community and civic events they had attended during their time in office, stating how proud they were to have represented the district in such a way.
Councillor Coles also stated that their charity events throughout the previous municipal year had raised £3,000 for their chosen charities – Witney Woodland Volunteers, West Oxfordshire Community Transport and West Oxfordshire Foodbank. Councillor Coles also paid tribute to all Members and Officers for their support during their time in office, and highlighted the support of the Council’s Executive Support Team, Democratic Services, Electoral Services, and personally highlighted the work of the Council’s Executive Assistant, Mandy Smith, for their exceptional work ‘behind the scenes’.
Councillor Coles also highlighted their attendance at the 2024 Football League 1 Play-Off Final at Wembley, where Oxford United defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-0 to gain promotion to the Football League Championship. Councillor Coles stated they hoped to be cheering on “The Yellows” from a new stadium very soon.
Meeting: 24/05/2023 - Council (Item 81)
Vote of thanks to the retiring Chair and Vice-Chair
To give a vote of thanks to the retiring Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council.
Minutes:
The Chair of the Council, Councillor Andrew Coles, paid further tribute to the work and contribution to Council by the former Chair, Councillor Julian Cooper, and highlighted memories of Councillor Cooper’s time in office, such as a visit to the Oxfordshire Transport Museum.
In return, Councillor Cooper thanked all Officers for their support to him during his time in office, and highlighted the support of the Council’s Executive Management Team, Publica Officers, and the work of contractual partners such as Ubico.
The Chair also took the opportunity to present Councillor Cooper with a medal in recognition of his service to the Council.