To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors PE Crockett, CA Gandy, MD Lloyd-Hayes, RL Mayo, CA North PJ McCaull and P Rone.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To admit Sascha Kindred as an honorary freeman of the county.

Council considered the following notice of motion:

Motion –That in accordance with the provisions of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the sport of swimming and honour that he has brought to the County of Herefordshire, Sascha Kindred be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the County of Herefordshire

In presenting the motion the Chairman noted the agreement of Council in September to support this motion to confer the honour of honorary freeman to Sascha Kindred OBE, for which this meeting had been specially convened under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972. 

Council observed footage of Mr Kindred winning the 200 metre men’s individual medley (SM6 class) at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro this year breaking the world record in doing so.

The Chairman acknowledged the great privilege of proposing this motion to Council as a celebration of success, bringing a sense of pride and distinction to Herefordshire and acknowledging the many successes of a brilliant Paralympian.

The Chairman described the achievements of Sascha Kindred OBE during his swimming career, drawing attention to his winning a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in the 200 metre men’s individual swimming medley, whilst simultaneously achieving a new world record for the event. The Chairman made the following additional points:

·        Mr Kindred moved to Credenhill ten years ago in 2006 and subsequently to Belmont in 2010. Married to Nyree, who is a Paralympian swimming medal winner in her own right, since coming to Herefordshire, Mr Kindred carried out his main training at Leominster Leisure Centre whilst being a member of Hereford Swimming Club, making it a truly cross-county issue

·        In 2009, he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list in recognition of his substantial achievements

·        He had attracted national and international acclaim, bringing honour and credit on him, his family and connections including his county of residence, and to which he had rendered eminent service

·        It was a privilege to propose this motion to make Mr Kindred an Honorary Freeman of the County of Herefordshire. He would be the first Herefordshire resident to be honoured in this way since the inception of the Council in 1998, but his successful sporting career, winning through in the face of adversity, justified that distinction.

The Chairman moved the motion.

Councillor PJ Edwards seconded the motion.

Councillor Edwards was invited to speak in support of the motion. He acknowledged that Councillor PJ McCaull was unable to attend council today, and noted his work in supporting the establishment of the swimming pool in Leominster and the talent that it had attracted. He made the following additional comments:

·        The success of the swimming pool in Leominster, and its role in supporting talent in the county, was a credit to Vice-Chairman Councillor McCaull who was unable to be present at this meeting

·        Mr Kindred and his family participated in their community in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.