Dorothy goes west for rest!, Teesdale Mercury

Dorothy goes west for rest!

Feb 19, 2003

A PARISH clerk has been praised for over 22 years’ service to Hamsterley Parish Council.

Dorothy West was appointed clerk to the council on August 13, 1979, and retired last year on March 31.

On Monday, she was invited back to the council for a presentation in recognition of her work.

“You’ve had to put up with our motley bunch for that length of time – people have been knighted for less!” said chairman, Coun Joseph Brown-Humes. “I’m afraid we can’t give you a knighthood or an OBE, but we’d like to show our appreciation in another form.

“I’d like to thank you for your 22 and a half years’ service. You’ve done a substantial service to this council and we all wish you the very best on your retirement.”

Mrs West was presented with an Eric Thompson painting of Barnard Castle and the County Bridge.

Coun Brown-Humes apologised for the delay in presenting the gift. The councillors had agreed to show their appreciation the meeting after Mrs West left, he said. However, for a number of reasons this was the first occasion they had.

“I’d like to thank you all very much,” said Mrs West. “I didn’t expect anything like this. During those years that I spent with the council, I enjoyed every meeting.”