Issue - meetings

The Chairperson referred to the recent passing of former Councillor Brian Beale MBE, with whom he had served with on the Council as an independent Member, referring to the advice, guidance and kindness Councillor Beale offered. The Chairperson asked everyone present to stand for a moment of quiet reflection on the life and service of former Councillor Beale.

A number of other Members spoke in tribute of Brian Beale and the work he had done both as a Councillor and in support of his Ward of Southminster. Councillor R G Pratt spoke about the life that Brian had led, how the village of Southminster centred around this, and as an independent Councillor how he had always strongly made his views known. Councillor A S Fluker had been joint Ward Member with Brian Beale and spoke of him leading the Council’s opposition for many years.

It was noted that former Councillor Beale’s funeral would take place on Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 2pm in St Leonard’s Church, Southminster.

Everyone then stood in silent tribute of Brian Beale.

The Chairperson then announced that Mr Paul Dodson was leaving the Council and thanked him for his dedicated service, both as a Director and more recently Deputy Chief Executive. On behalf of all Members the Chairperson extended Members best wishes to Mr Dodson and wished him every success in the future. Some Members then spoke about their time working with Mr Dodson. In response, Mr Dodson thanked Members for their kind words and highlighted a number of his achievements since being at Maldon and how he would leave with many fond memories.