By Michael Casey

HARLOW Common councillor Maggie Hulcoop has been the chair of Harlow Council for the past year. Her tenure comes to an end soon and so I thought I would just like to add my admiration and respect for Maggie.

Over the years, I have always been impressed with the way all mayors and chairs that I have met and reported on have represented their town/borough/city but there has been something special about Maggie Hulcoop.

I have attended her photo calls at the Dolphin Ward in the Princess Alexandra Hospital, the wonderful Celebrate Harlow event, the centenary of the armistice at Harlow Town Park and many other school, community and social events and have been struck by Maggie’s love of her town and pride for all those who try to give more than they receive here in Harlow.

But let us not underestimate councillor Hulcoop. She is no pushover as evidenced by her lead role in the battle for Osler House Surgery. She would grab me by the arm and say: “Right Michael, I want to give you an update as I am far from happy…”

I was present at Maggie’s civic dinner on Friday night and it was a great event which crystallised why Maggie Hulcoop is so respected and cherished. The entertainment was by Makin’ Steps whose bases is at the heart of her ward in Potter Street. Mayors, chairs and dignitaries from across the town and across the county came to celebrate her civic year.

We could all learn a lot from Maggie and she should look back on the last year with pride and satisfaction.

Thanks Maggie.