Agenda and draft minutes

To receive, note and where requested, approve the reasons for apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hardy, Heywood, and A. James.

Resolved that the apologies for absence be noted.

There was no Part II.

To declare any disclosable interests relating to the forthcoming items of business (if any).

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive and consider requests for dispensation (if any).

There were no dispensations.

To approve, sign and adopt the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 3 April 2024.

Resolved that the item be deferred to the next meeting of the Town Council.

The Town Council is recommended to resolve to confer the honour of Freeman of the Parish of Dawlish to Stephen Cunliffe, first and former Town Crier for the Parish of Dawlish from 1979 to 2024, for rendering eminent services to the area.

Members considered a report which recommended the conferring of the honour of Freeman of the Parish of Dawlish to Stephen Cunliffe, the first and former Town Crier of the Town for eminent services rendered to the area, having been the Town Crier of Dawlish for 45 years.

In addressing the meeting, the Mayor spoke of the significance of the meeting, called for the specific purpose of considering the recommendation which came at a time when the Town Council had reached its 50^th anniversary since its inception in 1974.  It had never previously considered conferring, or conferred, the honour of Freeman of the Parish.

Former Mayor’s recalled with candour their recollections of judging Town Crier competitions at which Stephen had participated.  It was confirmed there would be a further such Town Crying competition during Carnival week on 11 August 2024 at 2.30 p.m.

It was proposed, and seconded that the Town Council confer the honour of Freeman of the Parish of Dawlish to Stephen Cunliffe, with a budget of £600 from general reserves to meet any disbursements required.

The Events, Projects & Tourism Officer advised there was press interest in the accolade and, if approved, the presentation of the Freedom Scroll would be held at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council on 1 May 2024.  It was hoped other local Town Criers would be in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

It was further proposed by way of an amendment that a suitable gift be purchased for Stephen’s wife, Caroline Cunliffe, who for 45 years had unwaveringly supported Stephen as his consort during his time as Town Crier.

With the mover of the motion, and seconder being content to accept the amendment, it was

Resolved unanimously by those present and voting that

(a)    the proposal to confer the honour of Freeman of the Parish of Dawlish to Stephen Cunliffe, the past Town Crier of the Parish of Dawlish, for rendering eminent services to the Parish be approved,

(b)   that a suitable gift be purchased and presented to Caroline Cunliffe, wife of Stephen Cunliffe, having unwaveringly supported Stephen as his consort during his time as Town Crier over the past 45 years,

(c)    and up to £600 from general reserves be used to meet any disbursements required.