A SPECIAL reception was held in honour of two former West Lancashire Conservative councillors who have given more than 50 years of dedicated public service between them.
West Lancashire Conservative Association held the event for Richard Shepherd and Geoff Roberts at its headquarters on New Court Way, Ormskirk.
Both gave warm speeches of thanks to those who had helped them along their way and gave the assembled audience an insight into their respective political careers.
Richard served as an Aughton Parish Councillor for 19 years, a District Councillor in Aughton for 6 years and County Councillor for West Lancashire East for 24 years (1985-2009). He was involved in the Pensions Committee which managed a fund of £3-4 billion and served on the Policy and Resources and Museums and Libraries Committees. Richard thanked all the people who had helped him, in particular his wife Sybil above all for her continued support throughout his political life with all the challenges he faced.
Richard said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the title of Alderman.As a County Councillor my area encompassed Newburgh, Parbold, Westhead and Ormskirk in Derby Ward and the Eastern side of Burscough and I enjoyed helping residents in all those areas. I remember fondly my involvement with the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster for 15 years, five years as Chairman and I also started the Aughton Cricket Club in 1980.”
Geoff, a former Mayor, Council Leader and Aughton Park Councillor, explained that he first went into politics after his involvement in the Aughton Village Hall. After joining the Conservative Group, and serving on the Aughton Parish Council, he subsequently went on to become Mayor and Council Leader.
Geoff still serves as an Aughton Parish Councillor and as a Governor of Aughton Town Green Primary School, having been a member of the Council for 27 years.
Geoff said: “I am really quite honoured that this evening was arranged on my behalf. I would like to thank all those who have supported me throughout my political career, especially my wife Eileen. I did not deliberately seek out a political life. Others suggested to me that I become involved and I was very fortunate to take on a variety of roles including Parish, District, Leader of the Council as well as becoming the first Mayor of West Lancashire Borough Council.
"I would like to pay a heart-felt tribute to the late Robert Hodge, the former leader of the Council, who was a great mentor to me. My proudest achievement was bringing the Council forward to a high-performing excellent organisation as assessed by the Government Audit Commission.”
The title of Honorary Alderman is awarded to former County Councillors who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council but who are no longer serving members.
The title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough of West Lancashire is conferred in recognition of the eminent services which a Borough Councillor has rendered to the Council of the Borough of West Lancashire.