Cllr Jim Grey stands down from his year of Office as Chairman of Rochford District Council, and also retiring from service is the chain of office that has been worn since 1974. Due to wear and tear and no further space to incorporate the names of future Chairmen a new chain of office has been designed and made by Christopher Lawrence, a world renowned local craftsman. While creating the new regalia, it was essential to take into consideration the history of the district as well as elements of the original chain.

Jim Grey and the new chairman of the Council

The new design features the council’s traditional coat of arms, granted by the Royal College of Heralds, as well as the heraldic badge, but also incorporates the new modern leaf logo now used by the Authority. This accurately reflects the council’s motto “Our Heritage our Future” which is engraved on the coat of arms.

The Chairman wears the Chain of Office whenever he represents Rochford in his official capacity as first citizen of the district.

Cllr Grey presented the new chain to the new elected Chairman of Rochford District Council, Cllr Tony Humphries.

Cllr Humphries said: “I am delighted with the new chain of office and will wear it with pleasure as Chairman of the District. The old regalia had served us well for more than 30 years but had been repaired many times. The new design allows the Chairman to represent Rochford with pride for many years to come.”

Cllr Tony Humphries, from Rayleigh, has been a local councillor since 2002 and has lived and worked all his life within the district of Rochford, He is married to Eunice and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. Councillor Humphries announced that during his year in office, his charity that he will be supporting will be Havens Hospices.

The Old Chain will retire to the Council Chambers in the Civic Suite, Rayleigh where it will be displayed at council meetings etc.
To assist Councillor Humphries during his year is the new Vice Chairman, Councillor Derrick Stansby, from Hawkwell.