Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Fear, Frankish, Mancey, Northcott, Peers and Simpson.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Dear Sir/Madam

By direction of the Mayor (Councillor Sandra Hambleton) you are summoned to attend a Special meeting of the Borough Council of Newcastle-under-Lyme to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2AG on Wednesday 9 September 2015 at 7.00pm in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1992) for the purpose of passing the following resolutions:-

“That the Council in exercise of their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and being desirous of expressing its admiration and appreciation of the long and continuing support given by Neil “Nello” Baldwin to students attending the University of Keele and to the wider community of Newcastle-under-Lyme and as a mark of esteem does confer upon him the honorary FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH”

“That the Council in exercise of their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 do hereby confer honorary FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH upon Sgt Watchman(V), official mascot to the Staffordshire Regiment Association, his handler and their successors in recognition of the role’s historic and esteemed service representing the enlisted men and women of Newcastle-under-Lyme”.

The Special Meeting had been called in respect of conferring honorary Freedom of the Borough upon Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin and Sgt Watchman (v).  The Leader commented on both of the proposals.

Neil Baldwin

The Leader stated that Neil’s achievements should be recognised.  He had been awarded an honorary degree by Keele University and had been the subject of a recent BAFTA winning film of his life. 

Members agreed with the Leader’s comments, adding that Neil is an asset to the Community and this was a wonderful opportunity to recognise his contribution to the area.  Also, not many areas can claim to have a BAFTA award winning person in its locality. 

Resolved:  

By direction of the Mayor (Councillor Sandra Hambleton) you are summoned to attend a Special meeting of the Borough Council of Newcastle-under-Lyme to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2AG on Wednesday 9 September 2015 at 7.00pm in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1992) for the purpose of passing the following resolutions:-

Sgt Watchman (v)

The Leader stated that Sgt Watchman (v) had played a key role in many events, such as attendance at the funeral of Private Gareth Bellingham and many civic events.

In addition he is an ambassador for his breed (Staffordshire Bull Terrier).

It was stated that as part of the Staffordshire Regiment, Sgt Watchman (v) would already have the Freedom of the Borough.  However, the reason for conferring honorary Freedom was due to the Staffordshire Regiment being disbanded, which would result in their handing the Freedom back.  Currently, Sgt Watchman (v) required permission to attend events within the Borough.

Resolved:

“That the Council in exercise of their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and being desirous of expressing its admiration and appreciation of the long and continuing support given by Neil “Nello” Baldwin to students attending the University of Keele and to the wider community of Newcastle-under-Lyme and as a mark of esteem does confer upon him the honorary FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH”