ALMOST 80 people were at Droitwich Community Hall on Monday (December 5) to see former town councillor Peter Pinfield be made an Honorary Alderman of the town.
The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon Mr Pinfield in recognition of more than 32 years he has given as an elected member and for his meritorious services to the town in both a civic and non-civic capacity.
During his political career he also served on Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council and he has held a variety of other community roles as well, including as secretary of the Droitwich Allotments Association, helping launch the first Arts and Music Festival, being a governor at first, middle and high schools and the current post he holds as chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire.
On the evening, Mr Pinfield swore an oath to current Droitwich Spa Mayor Coun Roy Murphy and HM The Queen and gave a speech, declaring how honoured he was to have been made an Alderman and looking back on everything he had been involved with and achieved.
They included helping get traffic calming measures outside the high school in response to road dangers, campaigning to bring back the Lido and helping save the Old Library – which was under threat of being sold – so it could be used by the community.
He said his greatest achievement was the role he played in getting the ball rolling to restore Droitwich’s canals.
He gave thanks to everyone who had helped him over the last 40 years in public life, including his wife Pat and he paid special tributes to ‘absent friends’ who were not there because they had since passed away.
“They all worked with me, I worked with them, we got things done and you can see the impact of those in Droitwich today.
“I have always believed that when you partake in your community, you have to give something back.
“It’s how I’ve been brought up.”
He then urged more people to get involved in their local communities, by standing up, speaking out about what they believed in and representing the area around them in any way they could.
“It’s so important,” he added.
The proposal was made by Coun Alan Humphries and received the full backing of all members of the Town Council.
He described Mr Pinfield as, like himself, ‘a drop of red in a sea of blue’, adding despite that, party politics were often put aside to get things done for Droitwich.
“That did not stop him doing what he does best.
“If I achieve a tiny fraction of what you have, I will have done well,” he told Mr Pinfield.
In support Coun Tom Noyes, Leader of the Conservative Group on the Town Council, echoed Coun Humphries’ sentiments.
“There are few people in this community who have the qualifications to be up for this award.
“They need to have been a town councillor for considerable time, served their local community and have done notable work within the voluntary or education sectors – Peter has done it all.
“Peter has carved a niche for himself and I am pleased to second his nomination for Honorary Alderman as it is well earned and he deserves to be remembered for all he has done and continues to do for the good of Droitwich Spa.
“We at the Town Council will be honouring this in the best way we consider possible.”
