Cllr. Fleming proposed and Cllr. Mrs. Davison seconded that Cllr. Mrs. Dee Morris be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Resolved: That Cllr. Mrs. Morris be elected Chairman of the Council for the municipal year, 2012/13.

Cllr. Mrs. Morris then made the declaration of acceptance of office and took the chair.  The new Chairman thanked the Council for her election and expressed her appreciation for the many good wishes she had received.  She announced that her Escort for the year would be her husband, Mr. Ray Morris, and presented him with his badge of office.

The new Chairman led the Council in expressing thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Cllr. Bob Orridge, for his service to the Council and to the District. This was strongly supported by other Members who commented on Cllr. Orridge’s exemplary service as Chairman and support of local voluntary organisations.  The new Chairman presented Cllr. Orridge with a plaque of the official badge, the past Chairman’s badge and Civic Shield, and a past Chairman’s Escort badge and flowers to Mrs. Orridge.

In response Cllr. Orridge commented on the many events he had attended during the year and thanked Members and Officers for their support. He offered particular thanks to his wife and personal assistant Margaret Hagger who was retiring after working for the District Council for twenty four years, inviting all present to attend her retirement celebration at noon the next day.