Clerk and Council of the Year 2007

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) would like to congratulate Ray Smythe on winning the Aon/NALC Clerk of the Year 2007. Mr Smythe was presented his award at the NALC National Conference and Exhibition on 6 October 2007.

Mr Smythe has been recognised for his work as the clerk to Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council, Staffordshire. The runners up prize went to Susan Tubey, clerk to Yate Town Council, Avon. Whilst the third place went to Alan Tawse, clerk to Yeovil Town Council, Somerset.

Ray Smythe, clerk of Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council, said: "I am exceptionally pleased and honoured to have won the Clerk of the Year award. My council is ambitious and public-spirited, eagerly accepting the challenge of achieving Quality Status. The trust and support I receive is invaluable. I would like to thank all the Heath Hayes and Wimblebury councillors that I have had the pleasure to serve."

Chris Rolley, president of the Society of Local Council Clerks, a judge on the panel, said: "The judges believe that Mr Smythe should be clerk of the year because of his all round contribution to Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council. He achieved consistently high standard and clearly fulfilled the award criteria over the past 12 months. The panel were particularly impressed with his drive and determination to take this council forward, with the limited resources available to him."

Peter Lawrence, associate director, Aon said: "Aon Limited have worked together with the first tier of local government to provide for their insurance in a partnership which goes back more than 40 years. This year we are pleased to be able to give a paid two-night break."

Council of the Year 2007

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) would like to congratulate Ivybridge Town Council, Devon, on winning the Aon/NALC Council of the Year 2007. Ivybridge received their award at the NALC National Conference in Bournemouth on 6th October 2007. The joint runners up in the competition were Misterton Parish Council, Nottinghamshire; and Sedgefield Town Council, County Durham.

Councillor Alan Wright, Mayor of Ivybridge Town Council, said: "Ivybridge Town Council is delighted to be named Council of the Year 2007. This was a momentus year with work finally starting on a much needed £4.1 million library and community resource centre, which will provide a key focus in the regeneration of our town. I hope that we have demonstrated qualities that are important in our sphere of local government, as well as understanding the needs of our community."

Justin Griggs, head of development at NALC, a judge on the panel, said: "The application for the award from Ivybridge Town Council clearly demonstrated the lead role which this council takes in pursuing community projects. They always look to work in partnership, but are not afraid to take the first step to spur others on."

Peter Lawrence, associate director, Aon said: "Aon Limited have worked together with the first tier of local government to provide for their insurance in a partnership which goes back more than 40 years. With the success of the Clerk of the Year award, Aon and NALC launched the Council of Year competition in 2002. This year we are pleased to be able to contribute £500 towards a community project in the winning council area. We look forward to seeing the benefits of this money in the local area."

If you are interested in entering the 2008 awards please click here