Agenda and draft minutes

To consider the report to confer the title of Honorary Alderman of the City of Exeter to Mr Graham John “Percy” Prowse

The Lord Mayor introduced the item stating this Extraordinary Meeting of Council had been convened in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the purpose of transacting the following business to pass the following resolution of conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Graham John “Percy” Prowse.

The Lord Mayor stated that a recommendation was before Council that in pursuance of its powers under Section 249 (1) of the Local Government act 1972, the Council do confer on the following the title of Honorary Alderman, to Mr Graham John “Percy” Prowse, in recognition of his eminent service to Exeter City Council during the period that he was a Member of the Council.

Councillor Holland moved the recommendation, seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Bialyk who reserved his right to speak.

In proposing the recommendation Councillor Holland made the following points:

·        that he had known Mr Prowse for 30 years and highlighted his personal qualities which supported those in the community;

·        he gave his time freely and some activities he had been involved in were:

o   volunteering and working with Sylvania Community Project;

o   he used his locality budget to fund solar panels on Stoke Hill Junior School;

o   he was an advocate of wildflowers and added a splash of colour to the city;

o   he was Chairman of the Exeter Tidy Group taking part in litter-picks across the city and securing sponsorship;

o   he promoted cycling in the city, refurbishing cycles left by students at the university and sold them at a modest price;

o   he volunteered with the Devon and Dorsets charity and made this the Lord Mayor’s charity during is tenure;

o   he worked with St Petrock’s half day a week in the kitchen;

o   was treasurer of the Retired Police Officer’s Society, he visited those who had suffered bereavements and was a member of the Police and Community Choir, singing at fundraising events; and

o   as Lord Mayor he raised in excess of £42,000 for Elf.

Councillor Holland urged Members’ to support Mr Prowse to become an Alderman.

The Leader, Councillor Bialyk as seconder spoke in support of the motion making the following points:

·        that he was lucky to have known Mr Prowse for even longer than Councillor Holland;

·        it was good to listen to all the time Mr Prowse had given to the community as often time was spent in committees and council meetings and councillors didn’t hear about the efforts of each other;

·        many had spoken highly of Mr Prowse to him, including those he had come to know at Devon County Council; and

·        he would be a fantastic advocate for the city; and

·        thanked him for all that he had done.

Councillor Michael Mitchell spoke in support of the motion making the following points:

·        he had a lot to thank Mr Prowse for as he had stood for election in 2019 against Mr Prowse which brought him to the chamber at the Guildhall;

·        he wanted to thank  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.