The End of an Era

The political news of this week for Eaglescliffe is that John Fletcher, ward councillor for 24 years, is retiring.  John has been a superb councillor, caring for Egglescliffe and then the extended ward of Eaglescliffe, like a master gardener tends his patch - nurturing good things, doing his best to weed out the bad.  When I was elected almost 8 years ago it was John who showed me the important bits of being a councillor and helped me to avoid some of the pitfalls.  John's attention to detail is legendary and will be missed.  We are very fortunate that Lesley Lewis has agreed to stand for election as a Lib Dem.  She will be a great asset to the team and I look forward to working with her.
John's wife, Suzanne, is also retiring from the borough council.  She has represented Elm Tree and then the extended ward of Bishopsgarth & Elm Tree for nigh on 30 years, and I hope they both have a long and happy retirement.  Of course we won't let them retire completely - they're still Liberal Democrats after all and we'll have plenty for them to do as we build up to the next European and General elections as well as locals.  John hopes to be re-elected to the parish council on which he has served for even longer than the borough.
Of course today wasn't only about politics - no day ever is, and today included the sad experience of a funeral.  Maureen Morton was a lovely lady who gave much of her life outside her family to young girls in Guiding.  Her Brownie pack always had a waiting list, she was so popular, and no leader whether young or old was ever refused a listening ear when needed.  Sadly, illness took hold and she died before experiencing old age.  The full church this afternoon was a testament to how well loved and respected she was.