An opportunity for Group Leaders and other Members of the Council to pay tributes to the former Chairman of the Council, Councillor J W Davies who sadly passed away on 19th March 2021.
At the conclusion of this item there will be a Minutes silence in Councillor Davies’ memory.
Minutes:
The Chairman referred to the recent death of former Chairman of the Council, Councillor J W Davies who sadly passed away in March 2021. Members stood and observed a minute’s silence in his memory. Following which the Chairman presented to Members the extensive details of the service that Councillor Davies had made to the District Council following his election in May 1992 and served for a continuous period of almost 29 years until his death making him one of the longest serving District Councillors to ever serve on the District Council.
The Executive Leader, Councillor R Fuller, paid tribute to Councillor Davies and reported on his honour to represent the District Council at his funeral. In addition to his Council achievements, Councillor Fuller referred to him being a valued colleague and dear friend and his length of service as a District Councillor had earnt him the title of ‘Father of the House’. His loss would be keenly felt, an irreplaceable Member and memory would live on in his long list of achievements as District and Town Councillor for St Ives, together with his work in the community.
Councillor T D Sanderson echoed the sentiments of Councillor Fuller and remembered Councillor Davies as someone with integrity and decency, who always provided straightforward and honest advice. He expressed his sympathy to Councillor Davies’ family and although would leave a great gap, his legacy would live on.
Councillor Mrs S J Conboy paid tribute to Councillor Davies, with latterly getting to know him more through her work and will be remembered as a fun, warm and loving man who will be missed very much but would live on through his work in St Ives.
In tribute to Councillor Davies, Councillor P Kadewere praised his Chairman’s role and support for community groups regardless of party politics and would miss his presence.
Councillor R J West referred to the moving tributes and the valued support that Councillor Davies had provided him as Vice-Chairman of the Council when in his role as Chairman.
Councillor T D Alban paid tribute to Councillor Davies in his role as District and Town Councillor, but also in his life personally with his love of sport, commitment to St Ives and his love and pride in his family.
Councillor Ms R D’Souza shared with Members her first experience with meeting Councillor Davies as a newly elected Member on St Ives Town Council, in particular his warmth in welcoming her and making her feel at ease in her new role.
As a shared Ward Member for St Ives South for eight years, Councillor D B Dew shared his memories of Councillor Davies as a hugely respected character in St Ives with many a resident stopping to engage with him. His passion for his family and pride for the town of St Ives he shared and had been passed onto them in his work. Finally, he commended him as an excellent Chairman, Councillor and good friend.
Councillor Ms A Dickinson, as shared Ward Member, commented on the sad loss and someone that would never be forgotten.
In concluding, the Chairman paid tribute to Councillor Davies and his honour in serving as his Vice-Chairman.