Agenda item

Resolved unanimously –

That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to,

Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E

its sincere gratitude for his much valued service as a Member and Deputy for the Ward of Bassishaw.

Members may be aware that Ken is a keen devotee of motor racing; indeed, in 1982 he was the British Motor Sprint Champion. It is no surprise therefore that, following his election as Sheriff in 1995, Ken raced to cement his links with the Corporation and passed the winning post when he successfully stood for election as a Member of the Ward of Bassishaw in 1996.

Since that time Ken has been a constant source of wisdom on the wide-range of activities he has been involved in or Committees on which he has served. His always measured, polite and reasoned approach has been much valued by Members; his terms as Chairman of the Community & Children’s Services and Standards Committees in particular marked by his unfailingly balanced and courteous disposition. I know that Members will miss his sage counsel in the months and years to come.

Ken’s wide-ranging contributions to the City Corporation were duly recognised in January 2010, when he was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honours List. His colleagues on the Court further expressed their appreciation for his efforts in 2012, when he was elected Chief Commoner for what was an eventful year for London; I know that Ken will look back fondly on the role he played that year in the celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the successful London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In taking their leave of Ken, the Members of this Honourable Court wish to take this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude for his varied contributions and achievements during his time on the Court and express their very best wishes for his continued good health and happiness.