Councillors pay tribute to the team
Hambleton District Council has this week held its last ever meeting of full Council with the focus very much on people and their contribution over the years.
At the historic meeting, held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre in Northallerton on Tuesday afternoon, long service recognition was awarded to members of staff for 20, 30 and 40 years’ service and a special award went to Hambleton’s longest serving member of staff, in recognition of her commitment ahead of her retirement on 31 March.
Judith McKenzie, who started working for Hambleton District Council in September 1979 has served for almost 44 years with the authority, doing a range of jobs over the years with her current role as Reprographics Supervisor in the Communications Team.
“In many ways 44-years has flown by and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career with Hambleton which has always been a great place to work. I’m going to miss the people the most, the supportive and family feel approach is the reason I’ve stayed working here for so long. I wish all my colleagues all the very best for the future,” said Judith.
During the meeting, the Chairman also announced that £955.65 would be donated to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, his chosen charity.
Councillor Mark Robson, Leader of Hambleton District Council said: “It seemed fitting that during our last council we paid tribute to our people. Its down to their ongoing hard work and commitment over the years that we’ve consistently delivered the high-quality, customer focused council service Hambleton residents have come to know and expect, and it was important we acknowledged that today.
“As Leader of this authority, delivering a responsive, effective council which provides a service that matters and makes a difference to our residents, has always been my priority and I’m proud to say I feel we’ve more than achieved that over the years.”
A long service award was also presented to Councillor Bridget Fortune for 20 years’ service and Councillor Wake was presented with his past Chairman’s badge during the meeting.
At midnight on 31 March, Hambleton District Council along with the six other district and borough councils in North Yorkshire, and the county council, will cease to exist due to local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire. The new council for North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire Council, will begin on 1 April, and will provide all council services going forward.
