I should like to place on record a tribute to Cllr Rob Humby who is standing down as Leader of Hampshire County Council.

I worked with Rob in my time as Leader of the County and appreciated his commitment and dedication to his work in local government. Thank you Rob.

None of us should take this great County of Hampshire for granted or the work of the County Council even in difficult financial times. A month ago I attended the Hampshire Music Service spring concert at the Anvil in Basingstoke. It was a brilliant performance by talented young musicians drawn from schools across Hampshire.

Introducing the concert the Orchestra Director said words to the effect- Do not take this level of performance for granted - most counties have abandoned such services but in Hampshire we are grateful to the commitment of so many volunteers and to the County Council for maintaining such great opportunities for our young people.

Roy Perry
Former Leader, Hampshire County Council