Numerous tributes have been paid to Spondon councillor Peter Berry, who retires from the role at the upcoming local elections on May 5th.
Mr Berry has been Conservative councillor for Spondon since 2002 and has been a much respected representative of the community throughout that time. During his role as councillor, Peter also had the honour of serving as Mayor of Derby for a year.
Pictured right: Peter in his role as Mayor of Derby and, in less formal surroundings, showing his sense of community spirit in the stocks at a village fundraising event and at the recent Spondon Festival 60s/70s fundraising night with daughter, and fellow councillor, Evonne Williams.
Tributes and thanks have come from Spondon residents and City Councillors alike. Peter's daughter and fellow councillor, Evonne Williams, recently explained to the Derby Telegraph how Peter's step into politics came from his desire to make a difference to things in Spondon and the wider Derby area.
Evonne said: "He used to shout at the TV and complain about things going on and I told him to stop complaining and stand up for election and he did.
"For nine years he has represented Spondon ward and been an amazing local councillor. He has not only managed to remove politics from local council but has brought together communities and been a true fighter and defender of Spondon residents."
Another local councillor, Paul Bayliss, leader of the Labour group, added: "Peter Berry has taken on a variety of roles during his time on the council but I commend him particularly for the dignity, zeal and impartiality in which he carried out the role of Mayor of the City."
Meanwhile, local Spondon residents have also been quick to add their thanks to Mr Berry.
Community Association member, Derek Hathaway, has worked with Peter on a number of local initiatives over the years. Derek said: "Peter has been a huge asset to Spondon life during his many years as our ward Councillor. Often, he has worked behind the scenes, concentrating on the less attractive aspects of Council activities (he always claimed to specialise in “dustbins and dog dirt”) but that did not mean the work was less important.
"His immense knowledge of the community has enabled him to provide invaluable assistance to so many organisations and individuals. Whoever succeeds him has a huge hole to fill in Spondon society.”
Spondon Village Festival organiser, Angie Doughty, also praised Peter's commitment to the local area. She said: "Peter is passionate about Spondon and has represented our village unconditionally. I wish him good luck in his retirement and look forward to him joining the Spondon Festival committee, a move we are looking forward to as we know his commitment and knowledge well help us greatly."
Steve Allen, editor of the Spondon Online website, concluded: "It's clear from the many people I've spoken to, and from the comments on various local websites, that Peter has been a very popular local councillor and will continue to be a popular and respected figure in Spondon. His loyalty and commitment to the village has been greatly appreciated by all who have come into contact with him and I'm sure I speak for everyone in Spondon when I wish him a very happy retirement."
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Additional comments added to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spondononline:
"A truly caring and thoughtful man, who helped us no end on a Council matter. I sincerely hope you have a very long and enjoyable retirement Pete." - Mandy Dickens
"Not only a fantastic hard working councilor but a truly lovely man! Thanks for all your hardwork in spondon Peter I hope your replacement is as equally caring about Spondon as you and your family!" - Nicola Roulstone
"We will miss him. He did actually fight for health of future generations in his last years as councillor...gave a brilliant speech at the planning against the incinerator they want to build near Celanese. He will be sadlly missed. Good luck to him in the future. Enjoy life to the full." - Peter Ambler
