Annual Town Meeting - 27 April 2012
At the Town Meeting held on Friday, 27 April 2012, members received various reports from the Council. The Annual Report was published (copies available from HTC website). The Guest Speaker was Inspector Richard Haycock, Neighbourhood Commander, who gave a very interesting talk on several current topics. He explained the process for the election of Police Commissioners in November this year, and the setting up of a Police and Crime Panel. A lively question and answer session followed and several topics were discussed. Inspector Haycock emphasised Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Horley would remain with the removal of the front desk in the Police Station, and added that there was now a Mobile Counter Service.
A number of awards were also made at the meeting:
Horley in Spring
Residential: 1st place to Jean Wodhams
Commercial: 1st place to Barratt Homes
Hanging Basket: 1st place to Kings Head
Community: 1st place to Horley Infant School
Town Awards were presented to two individuals who were nominated by the public. These awards are for any individual who is considered to have given an outstanding service and commitment to the town. Awards were presented to Veronica Ballard and Alison Brice.
Veronica Ballard was a teacher at Burstow Primary School for 37 years and Secretary / Chair Person of Horley Surrey Girl Guiding for over 45 years. She was awarded the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award as well as other Long Service Awards. A member of Horley Local History Society & Camera Club, setting up local exhibitions, giving talks and writing history books. Veronica was also a CAB Advisor and behind the scenes volunteer at the Archway Theatre. Veronica is a dedicated volunteer and her keen interest in local history together with her many camera skills encourages people she meets to open their minds and learn.
Alison Brice was a former CAB Advisor, assisting older people to claim benefit entitlements and deal with various problems. A member of Regent Hall Management Committee, giving important advice to the management staff on a range of issues. She founded the Regent Hall Book Club and, although she later lost her sight, she has continued to organise the Book Club meetings. She gives voluntary support to everyone at Regent Hall especially those who are faced with letters and completing forms. She gives so much of her own time and expertise to the benefit of so many people.
Finally, special presentations were made to two members of staff at the Town Council. The first was to our Finance Officer, Sue Dalley, who was retiring after 12 years of dedicated service, and we wish her a long a happy retirement. The second was to our caretaker, Roy Martin, on the momentous occasion of his 90th Birthday, and who continues to provide invaluable support to the Town Council.
