A ceremony held at County Hall in Usk last week recognised the contribution of two long-serving members of Monmouthshire County Council’s workforce – Pauline Batty and Roger Hoggins.
The High Sheriff of Gwent, Malgwyn Davies OBE CStJ, led the presentation, accompanied by Council Chair, Cllr. Laura Wright, Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Matthews.
The High Sheriff of Gwent presented Pauline and Roger with their awards, which were in recognition of great and valuable services to the community, and said: “It was an honour to present High Sheriff of Gwent Awards to Pauline and Roger. Two stalwarts of local government who have made such a difference to so many people over their careers.”
Cllr. Laura Wright, Chair of Monmouthshire County Council added: “I am so pleased that the tireless work undertaken by both Pauline Batty and Roger Hoggins has been recognised in this way. They have each made a positive and significant contribution to the community through their work, their kindness and their determination to help others. I know that both Roger and Pauline are committed to continuing to serve the people of Monmouthshire, and we thank them for everything they have done and will continue to do.”
Strategic Catering Manager for Monmouthshire County Council, Pauline Batty was nominated by Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby who said: “Over the past seven years, Pauline has led the way to ensure that Monmouthshire children receive healthy nutritious meals in school, cooked from scratch.
“It is down to the hard work of Pauline and her team that Monmouthshire is rolling out free school meals to primary school children in reception, and Years 1 and 2. We are one of the few councils to do so; the Welsh government only expects Local Authorities to reach reception in the first phase of implementation of free school meals for all, so the team really have gone above and beyond.
“Pauline is not only a phenomenal organiser and manager. She has both vision and deeply held beliefs which she brings to her work. Pauline wants every child to understand the importance of food and the role nutritious food plays in helping us all maintain well-being. She encourages thinking about the social side of eating together, the table skills that enable that to happen and knowing the recipes so that cheap nourishing food can be cooked at home. This is what school catering should be about, and Pauline has been quietly under the radar making sure it happens, working with and training staff to share her vision,” said Cllr. Brocklesby.
During Covid Pauline Batty, along with colleagues, pivoted from school meals to organising and coordinating PPE for staff. In addition, Pauline oversees the Council’s Meals on Wheels service ‘Monmouthshire Meals’. She organised it in such a way that the provision of a cooked meal is part of domiciliary care, staff are trained to respond to recipients of the service as people with needs who might welcome time spent with them while they eat their meal and also to work closely with social care staff and other support agencies. Meals on wheels is an important part of a preventative and integrated social care approach which aims to support progress towards independent living.
At the ceremony, the life-time dedication of Roger Hoggins was also acknowledged. Roger recently retired after 47 years of continuous service to Monmouthshire within the Council. He started as a trainee management services officer and became a senior leader.
Chief Executive Officer, Paul Matthews said: “Roger’s contribution has been significant as has been his approach. He will be greatly missed by us all within the Council. The fact he’s now become a town councillor with Monmouth Town Council exemplifies his ongoing commitment to public service. He is a very humble man who really doesn’t get his positive impact on others. He retreats in the good times, steps forward in the tough times. One of the best public servants I’ve worked with.”
Tags: Colleagues, Leader, Monmouthshire