History was made this week as technology and tradition combined when East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) welcomed a new Chairman for its last Civic Year via the first virtual full council meeting.
Following two previous successful committee meetings, ENC Councillors gathered to witness Cllr Helen Howell take over from outgoing chairman Cllr Dudley Hughes, at the Annual Meeting of the council for 2020/21.
Cllr Howell has served on the council for five years and was Vice-Chairman for the past two years, she will be supported by her consort, Cllr Lee Wilkes. She will now be Chairman of ENC, until it ceases to exist on 31 March 2021 and the new North Northamptonshire Council is formed.
During the virtual meeting, Cllr Howell said: “Since I first became a Councillor for ENC, I have always felt part of something special, I have met so many wonderful people and hope to continue to do so over my year as Chairman.
“As we enter our final year, we must make it special – East Northamptonshire Council deserves to go out with a fanfare and when we are able to celebrate the district and the people who live in the communities within it, we must do so.”
As soon is permitted, Cllr Howell will be organising a variety of events to raise funds for her chosen charity East Northants First Responders, a group of volunteers who live in the district and are trained by East Midlands Ambulance Service to respond in emergency situations. Having been a volunteer for the group, Cllr Howell has seen first hand the important work they do.
District councillor for Lower Nene Ward, Cllr David Brackenbury was elected as Vice-Chairman for this year.
To find out what the Chairman is up to, please visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/chairmansdiary and/or follow her on Twitter @ENCChairman