Retiring Councillor, Derek Watson-Jones 2015

 

Congratulations to Councillor Derek Watson-Jones upon his retirement after fifty-seven years as a Parish Councillor, this is a tremendous achievement and is probably the longest anyone has ever been in office throughout the history of Parish Councils.

Derek has represented Moreton, Bromstead and Outwoods wards of Gnosall Parish Council for all this time as well as being Parish Council Chairman for some of it.

 

Councillor Graham Payne, another long standing Gnosall Councillor, said “I have known Derek for some 23 years since I became a Councillor and have always found him to be extremely forthright and honest in his council work, he has guided other councillors with his knowledge and expertise.”

 

Derek was a young farmer in Moreton when he became a Parish Councillor in 1958 and one of his earlier tractors was a Ferguson TE20. The Parish Council presented Derek with a replica model tractor at a recent event to celebrate 120 years of the Parish Council at which many current councillors were present as well as some retired councillors all of whom, had, worked with Derek on the Parish Council.

 

All past and present councillors extend their very best wishes to Derek and his wife for good health and happiness in the future.

 

  Jayne Cooper

Clerk, Gnosall Parish Council