Longserving councillor steps down

From the Kidderminster Shuttle, first published Wednesday 6th Jun 2007.

A LONGSTANDING councillor who spent more than four "enjoyable" decades serving the residents of Upper Arley has stepped down to make way for younger blood.

Tom Whatmore, of Shatterford, has retired after 43 years as a member - including several spells as chairman - of Upper Arley Parish Council.

The 74-year-old has a permanent reminder of his milestone, in the shape of a Norwegian Maple tree, which he planted in Arley Arboretum to mark the occasion.

He said: "I've loved it but 43 years is a long time. I wanted to give someone younger the chance to be on the council."

Mr Whatmore, who lives with his wife, Margaret, in Arley Lane, added: "I have enjoyed meeting the people and doing all I can for the local people and the local place. Every one of the parish councillors has the village at heart. We don't claim expenses - we all give our time voluntarily."

Over the years, the former BT employee, has seen many changes in both the way the council operates and the people and village it serves.

He explained: "The council has a lot more responsibility now, which is much better. We manage our own budget and we have a full-time clerk. We have elections now. When I started we never had elections. We just said we were interested in being on the council and that was that.

"There have been lots of changes in the village. We used to have a footbridge instead of a ferry and we've lost a pub. Some people have moved away and new people have moved in and quite a few houses have been built."

Mr Whatmore plans to spend more time with his children, Amanda and Susan, at their family house in Brittany, France but has vowed to continue taking an interest in council affairs.

To mark his retirement, a celebratory dinner, organised by the parish council and hosted by Hermione and Andrew Gerry, was held at Arley Cottage where Mr Whatmore was presented with a hand-held GPS receiver to use while enjoying his hobby of walking.

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