FORMER Droitwich Labour councillor Peter Pinfield has been awarded one of Wychavon’s highest civic honours by becoming only the fifth person in the district to be made an Honorary Alderman.
Mr Pinfield was officially presented with the prestigious accolade at a ceremony at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Wednesday.
The Alderman title dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and used to refer to those who exercised the power of the King.
After election in 1979 Mr Pinfield spent 32 years serving on Wychavon District Council, representing both Droitwich West and Droitwich East.
He retired in 2014 to become Chairman of Worcestershire Healthwatch which champions patients’ views.
Mr Pinfield moved to Droitwich from Birmingham with his wife Pat and young family.
He almost immediately became involved with the Droitwich Allotments Association, sparking a lifetime of commitment to the community.
He went on to serve as a county councillor, governor of several schools, has been involved with the Diabetic Association and launched the town’s first Music and Arts Festival among other achievements.
The award is a timely boost for Mr Pinfield who is still recovering from valve surgery on his heart.
Mr Pinfield, who still remembers nervously wondering what to wear to his first council meeting, said it was a privilege to be recognised with the title.
“I’m pleased to accept it not just for myself but on behalf of all the organisations I’ve helped and been involved with over the years, they’ve all been part and parcel of it.
“It’s a wonderful gesture from people who themselves do a lot for the community and for them to say ‘Peter, well done for everything you have given in the name of public service’ means a lot.”
He said his greatest achievement was securing a £2million commitment from both Wychavon and Worcestershire councils, enabling a multi-million deal to restore Droitwich’s canals to their former glory.
“The premise of local government starts with making life better for the community and you can’t always do that because you don’t have the money or the resource but that’s the ambition and I think district councils are a really important link between the community and the decision-makers and I absolutely support it,” added Mr Pinfield.
Coun Liz Eyre, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, said she had known Peter for many years and was delighted he was being honoured for ‘going above and beyond’ in his civic life.
“I have seen first-hand, in the many and various civic roles he has held, how he has conducted himself.
“He listens carefully, is reflective and uses astute questioning to bring issues to a pragmatic resolution.”
Others who have received the title included Droitwich’s Don Lawley, along with V J Smith, John Grantham and Malcolm Meikle.
Mr Pinfield was also made an Honorary Alderman by Droitwich Town Council in December.
