Chair who lead the council with ‘dignity’ praised

Outgoing chairman of West Lindsey District Council Coun Jessie Milne has been thanked for her ‘tremendous effort’ in representing the authority.
Coun Jessie MilneCoun Jessie Milne
Coun Jessie Milne

She attended a staggering 167 events, between 2012 and 2013 including the Olympic torch relay in Saxilby and a special service to commemorate the Dambusters anniversary.

Her fellow councillors showered her with praise as she officially handed over the chain of office to Coun Irmgard Parrott.

Former leader of the council, Coun Burt Keimach said: “I would like to thank her and say I shall never forget the aplomb and dignity that was hers in leading the council.”

And new leader Coun Jeff Summers congratulated her on a job well done, adding: “Your chairmanship has been memorable, we’re truly grateful.”

Reflecting on her 12 months in office, Coun Milne said: “The role of the chairman is to keep West Lindsey in the forefront of everyone’s mind and I will miss not being out there telling people what a great place West Lindsey is.”

“I have met a lot of interesting people and I have been fortunate to visit places that not everyone gets the opportunity to visit. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported my civic functions for making my year so enjoyable.”

“I am really proud of what we at West Lindsey have achieved and are still achieving. Being chairman is a great honour, it is more than a name and a chain, it’s hard work.”

As well as hosting the Civic Service, Civic Dinner and the Civic Carol Service she also hosted a tribute to the RAF Scampton based 617 Squadron crews, attended the Olympic torch relay at Saxilby and celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee weekend by attending as many towns and villages in West Lindsey as possible.

Coun Milne thanked the community for the hundreds of invitations she had received to attend plays, musicals and various community events.

The former chairman also helped to raise money for a number of charities, including the East Midlands Stroke Association and the West Lindsey Branches of the Air Training Cadets.

She added: “I chose to support these charities to because they are close to my heart and the ATC do so much for the young people in the area. I also raised money for the Dambusters Memorial Fund and the Army Benevolent fund through the special Dambusters church service.”