Agenda item

Vote of Thanks to Robert Hadley Hall:-

Resolved unanimously – That, in taking their leave of Benjamin Robert Hadley Hallupon his retirement as Alderman for the Ward of Farringdon Within, this Court desires to place on record its most sincere appreciation of the service that he has given to the City Corporation and, in particular, to this Court, over the past eleven years.

Bob was admitted to this Court as Alderman for the Ward of Farringdon Within in 2002, following his earlier election to the Court of Common Council in 1995.  As an elected Member of the London Borough of Haringey for 17 years and Leader of the Opposition for 6 years during that period, Bob’s involvement in London local government has been extensive.   Having qualified as a solicitor in 1970, practised law in the Ward for many years, served as a Magistrate and been an active member of the Worshipful Companies of Fletchers and Solicitors, Bob has a breadth of knowledge and understanding that has enabled him to contribute widely at both a local and national level.  His approach to getting things done whilst on this Court has always been based on compromise, common sense and collaboration.

In both his Common Council and Aldermanic roles he has been a strong advocate for the City Corporation’s open spaces, both within and beyond the Square Mile.  His very real commitment to ensuring the preservation of the open spaces and on-going enjoyment by an increasing number of interest groups is demonstrated by his service on, and contributions to the work of a number of open spaces related committees since 1995 and, more recently, as Chairman of the West Ham Park and the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committees.  Earlier this year he actively sought to secure additional funding to manage the Oak Processionary Moth in Greater London, typifying his belief in preserving, through collaborative ways of working, the open spaces for the benefit of future generations.

Whilst open spaces are clearly Bob’s passion, he has served on all the City Corporation’s major committees.  He has been Chairman of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Sub-Committee, the Barbican Residential Committee and also the Governing Body of the Sir John Cass Foundation School, the City’s only primary school. 

On taking their leave, his colleagues would like to express to Benjamin Robert Hadley Hall their very best wishes for his future health and happiness with the hope that he will long retain many happy memories of his civic life and all he has achieved for the wider City, for the City Corporation and for this Court.