Agenda item

Resolved unanimously –

That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, Members wish to place on record their most sincere thanks to:-

Sir David Howarth Seymour Howard, Bt.

for the service that he has given to the City of London Corporation and to the City - as a Common Councilman for the Ward of Cornhill, as Alderman for that Ward, as Sheriff, as Lord Mayor and, more recently, as senior Alderman.

It has been a remarkable record of service, spanning more than forty years and this Court could not have been more ably represented at all levels, amongst the Livery, in Government and in business.

The Howards have become something of a fixture within the City Corporation, with Sir David representing the third successive generation to serve on the Common Council and also as Lord Mayor. The Resolutions of Thanks to his forebears make reference to their sense of duty and devotion to all aspects of City life, their sincerity of purpose, and the respect in which they were held by their colleagues. In this respect, Sir David has not only upheld the traditions of his predecessors but has surpassed them, acting in an unfailingly courteous and perspicacious manner.

His guidance and consistency will be sorely missed, and I know that Members are all agreed that we are fortunate to have had the benefit of his sage counsel for so long.

Having now stood down from Office, Sir David, so well supported throughout by Valerie, can take with him the very best wishes of all his colleagues on this Court, past and present, for a long, happy and healthy retirement from civic life in the City.