Agenda item

FORMER COUNCILLOR SYLVIA TIDY

44.1     The Chairman began with the sad news of the death of former Councillor Sylvia Tidy. Sylvia was elected to the County Council in 2005 and represented the Crowborough South and St Johns division until 2021. She served as the Lead Member for Children’s and Families from 2013 to 2021 and was a Governor for the Virtual School during this time. Sylvia was a mentor for new Lead Members in the South East Region, as part of the South East Sector-led Improvement Programme. Additionally, she was a member of several committees of the Council: the Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee (2005–2007), the East Sussex Music Service Management Committee (2005–2013), and the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee (2005–2013), which she chaired from 2005 to 2007. Sylvia also chaired the Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee from 2007 to 2011. She was a member of the Ashdown Forest Board of Conservators from 2011 – 2025 and Wealden District Council from 1995, representing Chiddingly and East Hoathly. She was a trustee of the Farley Arts Trust, and Chairman of the High Weald Advisory Committee.

44.2     The Leader of the Council and the other group leaders offered condolences and shared memories of Councillor Sylvia Tidy. The Council stood for a moment’s silence as a mark of respect to Councillor Tidy.

DAWN WHITTAKER

44.3     The Chairman thanked Dawn Whittaker, the former Chief Fire Officer, for her contribution to the East Sussex Fire Authority and her exemplary service to the county.

44.4     The Chairman welcomed Mark Matthews, Chief Fire Officer for the East Sussex Fire Authority.

NEW YEAR’S HONOURS

44.5     On behalf of the Council, the Chairman congratulated all those who live or work in East Sussex who were recognised in the New Year’s honours.

CHAIRMAN’S ACTIVITIES

44.6     The Chairman reported that he had attended a number of engagements since the last meeting of the Council including: the Eastbourne Civic Harvest Festival; the Sussex Multiple Sclerosis  Centre; a visit to Polegate Ambulance Station with the Mayor of Polegate - followed by a visit to the Community Centre; the Battle Of Trafalgar Dinner; the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards Ceremony; the Eastbourne Silver Band's 13th Annual Concert of Remembrance; the High Sheriff East Sussex Judges Service; Remembrance Parades and Services for Maresfield, Lewes and the Seaford Royal British Legion; the AGM of Seaview; Picture News and  SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education); a visit to  the St James Trustin Seaford and  Seaford Primary School; the Friends of Arundel Cathedral - Pontifical Sung Vespers; visits to Crowborough with the Mayor; standing in for the Lord-Lieutenant at a citizenship ceremony; St John Sussex Carol Service; a meeting with Sussex Community Foundation; the Good Company People; the Mayor of Seaford’s Christmas Carol Concert; the Mayor of Peacehaven Carol Concert; the Mayor of Polegate Carol Concert; Christmas drinks reception with the Chair of Wealden District Council; and the Base Afterschool Club Celebration  21st Anniversary.

44.7     The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman for his ongoing support, including attendance at the St Peter’s Church blessing of commemorative plaque; Hall and Woodhouse Community Chest Awards; and the Sleeping Beauty Pantomime with the Mayor of Polegate.

PETITIONS

44.8     The following petitions were presented before the meeting by Councillors:

PRAYERS

44.9     The Chairman Father John Wall, Rector of the Uckfield Plurality (Uckfield, Isfield and Horsted Parva) for leading the prayers before the meeting.