Councillor P. Leason in the Chair for Minute Number C26/001
Councillor J. Metters in the Chair thereafter and
Councillors: A. Best, J. Davies, L. Davies, I. Fordham, J. Hood, T. Kelt, B. Kenney, R. Kenney, J. Powell and N. Powell
Officers: L. Trigg and T. Williams

Councillors: J. Battrick, A. Burgess, K. Dawson, A. Mottershead, C. Thornicroft and R. Townsend

Councillor Leason asked the Council to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Mr Peter Sinnott, former Councillor and Town Mayor, who had recently passed away.

Before the meeting began Reverend Jim Cartlidge led prayers.

Councillor Leason informed Councillors that this was the last occasion that Reverend Jim would be joining them as Mayor’s Chaplain and would be leaving Stone at the end of June 2025 to take up an appointment in Cheshire.

As a souvenir of Reverend Jim’s time in Stone and as a thank you for all that he had done in leading the many civic services at St Michael & St Wulfad’s Church and prayers before Council meetings in the Council Chamber, Councillor Leason presented him with a Stone Town Council tankard.

Councillor P. Leason invited nominations for Town Mayor for the ensuing year.

Councillor J. Hood nominated Councillor Jason Metters as Town Mayor, which was seconded by Councillor J. Davies.

RESOLVED: To appoint Councillor Jason Metters as Stone Town Mayor for the year 2025-26.

Councillor Metters received his Town Mayor’s Chain of Office and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Councillor Metters took the Chair and announced that his partner, Miss Sarah Goodall, would be his Consort.

Councillor Metters advised the Council that Reverend Paul Kingman would be asked to take on the role of Mayor’s Chaplain for the ensuing year.

Councillor Metters invited nominations for Deputy Town Mayor.

Councillor P. Leason proposed Councillor Andrew Best as Deputy Town Mayor for the ensuing year.

The nomination was seconded by Councillor J. Powell, and with no further nominations all members were in support of the motion.

RESOLVED: To appoint Councillor Andrew Best as Deputy Town Mayor for the year 2025-26.

Councillor Best received his Deputy Town Mayor’s Chain of Office and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Councillor Best informed the Council that his Consort would be his wife, Mrs Rosalind Best.

The Town Mayor extended a very special thank you to Town Mayor 2024-25, Councillor Philip Leason, who had been an exemplary first citizen and representative of Stone with his steadfast dedication to the town over very many years. He added that Councillor Leason was a tough act to follow – although he knew he would benefit from Philip’s generous support and expert guidance during the upcoming year. The Town Mayor extended these words to Edith and asked that his warmest good wishes be forwarded to her.

The Town Mayor invited Councillors to address the Council.

Councillor Hood expressed how the VE Day celebrations on Thursday 8 May had highlighted to her just how popular and well-liked Councillor Leason was by the people of the town, and how difficult a task chaperoning the Town Mayor on the evening, had turned out to be.

Councillor Hood added that Councillor Leason knew everyone, and everyone knew him – taking great delight in talking to him and demonstrating how full of admiration and respect they were. She said Philip had built up quite a following as a popular man, a popular Councillor, and an exceptionally successful Mayor and ambassador for Stone Town Council.

Apologies were received from Councillors: J. Battrick, K. Dawson, A. Mottershead, C. Thornicroft and R. Townsend

None received.

None received.

RESOLVED:

• a) That the minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 1 April 2025 (Minute Numbers C25/085 – C25/092), be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

• a) The draft minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on 1 April 2025 (Minute Numbers GP25/139 – GP25/158), were noted.
• b) The draft minutes of the Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 1 April 2025 (Minute Numbers PC25/055 – PC25/060), were noted.

The Council considered the terms of reference for the Council’s General Purposes and Planning Committees.

The Town Clerk advised the Council that amendments had been suggested to improve clarity, and these changes had been tracked in a document enclosed with the agenda.

RESOLVED: That the suggested amendments be adopted and the updated terms of reference for the Council’s General Purposes and Planning Committees be approved.

Membership of the General Purposes Committee

RESOLVED: That all Members be appointed to the General Purposes Committee for the year 2025-26.

Chairman of the General Purposes Committee:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Rob Kenney be appointed as Chairman of the General Purposes Committee for the year 2025-26.

Vice Chairman of the General Purposes Committee:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Ian Fordham be appointed as Vice Chairman of the General Purposes Committee for the year 2025-26.

Membership of the Planning Consultative Committee:

RESOLVED: That all Members be appointed to the Planning Consultative Committee for the year 2025-26.

Chairman of the Planning Consultative Committee:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Tom Kelt be appointed as Chairman of the Planning Consultative Committee for the year 2025-26.

Vice Chairman of the Planning Consultative Committee:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Clive Thornicroft be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Planning Consultative Committee for the year 2025-26.

RESOLVED: That all other business under this Standing Order be deferred to the General Purposes Committee