At last night at Full Council, councillors said goodbye to Paul Warren, who is retiring from being Rochford’s Chief Executive.
Paul has been Chief Executive here since the 1990s, and he told us last night of some of the things he’s proud of, such as getting the substantial funds from Thames Gateway to renovate Rayleigh Windmill, even though it wasn’t inside the official Thames Gateway area at that time!
Councillors spoke and paid tribute to Paul. “Paid Tribute” is a bit of a hackneyed phrase, but they spoke very genuinely. In particular Michael Hoy and John Mason said how much they valued the help Paul had given them. Terry Cutmore made a very eloquent speech describing Paul’s abilities and achievements, and ChriS Black got a smile or two by saying that, unusually, he agreed with every word that Terry had said.
Veteran councillor Heather Glynn spoke particularly well, thanking Paul for his efforts, not only on behalf of those there last night, but on behalf of those former council chairs whose portraits hang on the council chamber walls, whom Heather and Paul had both known, though many of them are sadly now no longer alive.
When Keith Hudson gave Paul a couple of retirement presents, some fishing gear and a plaque (both paid for by the councillors) Paul read out the wording on the plaque, and bless him, his voice quavered with the emotion of the moment.
Have a great retirement Paul, you have deserved it !