Appreciation shown for 40 years’ dedication to Warwickshire village

Cllr John Grantham is presented with his gift by Wellesbourne parish council chairman David Close.

Independent parish councillor John Grantham went along to a regular council meeting - unaware that his fellow councillors and council staff had rallied round to buy a gift to thank him for serving the community since 1973.

The Ruby occasion was marked by the presentation of a crystal bowl to the 73-year-old, who stood for election as a councillor at the age of 33 out of frustration at the rapid developments taking place in Wellesbourne.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Grantham said: “I was very surprised and very pleased.

“Forty years does sound like a long time, but it’s just one of those things that has happened to me.”

Having lived in Wellesbourne since he was an 18-month-old baby, Cllr Grantham has always cared deeply about the village.

He said: “In the early 1970s, I was appalled at what the developers were doing to the village.

“There had been some very nice period houses dating back to the 17th century which had been demolished to make way for a new estate and some maisonettes.

“There was land which had been a military barracks during the English Civil War which was built on and there had been some old houses whose residents - including some of my friends - were evicted.

“I decided to stand as a councillor to see what I could do.”

And although the Dovehouse Estate was built, plans for building on land to the east of Wellesbourne were withdrawn. But Cllr Grantham does concede that the village has “changed almost out of recognition” due to the amount of housing that was built up until the late 1980s.

Alongside his councillor duties, he worked for the county council as an enforcement officer for public footpaths and bridleways until retiring 16 years ago, but he said he has always enjoyed being a councillor, adding: “I am always up for a fight on things if I believe it’s right.

“I don’t take quite such an active role any more, but I have a lot of knowledge and experience to offer. Hopefully the council still likes to have me around.”