Watford Borough Council

Introduction

Lindsey was born in North London, moving to Ruislip in 1964. She worked as a secretary for various newspapers and the Reuters news agency until she married Derek in 1975. In l976 she moved to Watford and worked for a surveyor until her children were born. They were both educated at a local secondary school. When they started school Lindsey worked at West Herts College, studying for a degree in English and History part time at University of Hertfordshire, followed by an M.A. in History. She studied for a PGCE in Primary Education and taught in Pinner for 13 years. She now works as a Careers Adviser at West Herts College, so feels her life has rather gone in a circle!

Lindsey has always been a keen reader and enjoys the theatre and cinema. She started fencing as a sport when she was l8, stopping when the children were small. She took it up again about six years ago and is a member of St Albans Fencing Club, although gets to training sessions rather less often than she would like these days. Lindsey has recently started Zumba fitness sessions at one of Watford’s leisure centres and tries to attend whenever possible.

Lindsey has been a School Governor at several schools, starting as a Parent Governor at Coates Way. She became a ward councillor for Tudor Ward in 2002 and has been a member of the Development Control Committee, Licensing Committee and Scrutiny Committees over the years. At present she sits on Development Control and chairs the Membership Development Committee.

Her husband Derek will be her consort for her year as Chair.

About her role

As Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Lindsey Scudder is First Citizen of Watford. In her official capacity, she wears a chain of office bearing the Coat of Arms of the Borough and, on formal occasions, may wear traditional robes and be preceded by the Mace of the Borough.

Watford was first granted the status of a Borough in 1922 due to the efforts of a number of leading citizens and the 6th Earl of Clarendon, who became Charter Mayor. Following local government reorganisation, Watford received a new Borough Charter in 1974 and the town’s first modern shopping centre was named ‘Charter Place’ in celebration of this grant.

Since 2002 the political leader of the town has been elected directly by the people of Watford and is styled as (Elected) "Mayor” with the civic leader elected by fellow councillors, styled as “Chairman”.

Accordingly, the Chairman of the Borough Council still plays a vital role in the maintenance of the town’s traditions and civic heritage.

The Chairman holds office for one municipal year, running between Annual Meetings of the Council which are usually held in May. At each Annual Meeting, the Council also elects a Vice Chairman who, by convention, is Chairman-elect to serve during the subsequent year.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman may each appoint a Consort to accompany them throughout their terms of office. Consorts do not have to be Councillors.

The Chairman has a number of duties and functions, only one of which is to preside at meetings of the full Council. However, the main role is to act as the official representative of the Council on civic and ceremonial occasions and to be a figurehead in the community which the Council serves.

How to address the Chairman

Most introductions can be made as:
Chairman, or Chairman, Councillor Lindsey Scudder.

On formal occasions the Chairman should be introduced as:
The Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Lindsey Scudder.

When the Chairman and Consort are to be introduced:
The Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Lindsey Scudder and her Consort, Councillor Derek Scudder.

If the Chairman is represented by the Vice Chairman and Consort, they should be introduced as: Vice Chairman, Councillor Andrew Mortimer, and Consort, Mrs Penny Mortimer. 

 

Theme and Charity

Theme

The Chairman's theme is “Independence.”

During my year as Vice Chair I have met some amazing people who give their time and effort to allow a degree of independence which would otherwise be inaccessible to many. With this in mind, my theme for the year is independence and I have chosen my two charities accordingly.

Chairman’s Charities
The Chairman has chosen two charities to support through the year and these will be the Shopmobilty Watford and Watford Mencap.


Shopmobility Watford
Shopmobility Watford loans manual and battery powered scooters and wheelchairs to anyone who has a mobility problem, temporary or permanent, through accident, illness or age. Customers can thus maintain their independence by going shopping, visiting the market or the library, going to the doctor, eating out – without us they may remain at home in isolation.

We also offer a long term loan scheme to enable anyone to take a manual wheelchair away for holidays or for use in their own home. There is a small charge for this service.


Watford Mencap
Watford Mencap was founded by local parents and celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 2011. The charity supports 500 people with a learning disability and their carers in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere. It is independent from national Mencap, from which it receives no funding.

People with a learning disability find it hard to learn, understand and communicate. Conditions may include Down’s Syndrome, Fragile X, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. Learning disability is lifelong.

Watford Mencap offers:

• Children’s and Young People’s services, serving 150 children with a learning disability
  Advice and Advocacy
  
• Leisure Together – leisure activities for 100 people with a learning disability, supported by 50 volunteers
  
• Community Support – one-to-one support for people with a learning disability in their homes and the community
  
• Residential homes and supported living houses
  
• New Solutions – an advice and support service for people wishing to use individual budgets to live the life they choose.
  
  Watford Mencap needs to raise £200,000 every year to keep its services going, and any money raised through the Chairman’s Charity will be used to support local people. More information is on our website: www.watfordmencap.org.uk
  
  

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