23 hours Ago By [email protected] (Eloise Gilmore)
The dedication of a councillor who has served his parish for half a century has been commended. Ron Gill, 81, has held a seat on South Muskham and Little Carlton Parish Council since 1975, when he was co-opted to fill a gap. Having spent 50 years on the council, more than ten of which as chairman, Ron said he had been involved with an ‘unbelievable’ amount of things and has seen ‘so many’ changes.
“When I started it was all paper and pencil, there were no photocopies” Ron added. “Now it’s all on the net, as it were.” During his time as a councillor he has been part of securing the gifting of the village cricket pitch to the parish council, moving the bus shelter to a better position on the outward journey to Newark, and getting a mini-roundabout at South Muskham to replace the T-junction there previously.
“There were also the floods in 1977 and all the parish councillors at the time were out lifting people’s furniture,” Ron added. “There were negotiations for flood banks after that, and we got them all around South Muskham and Little Carlton.” Alongside those memorable events, Ron has also helped consider numerous planning applications — including those for solar and wind power, gravel extraction, and more — and helped secure grants for community organisations.
He even used to get ‘hands on’ and mow the cricket field for the council for free to save the cost of a contractor. He added: “Living here, I wanted our parish to have the fair share of grants and things for the village. “We did a lot of proactive work, I wanted to make sure I got the best for the parish.
” Ron has never aligned with a political party in his role on the council, believing it wasn’t needed in the role and instead focuses on helping everyone no matter what. “I’ve always been around to listen to people, they come and bang on my door to say so and so’s done this and that,” Ron said. “The best thing is being involved and supporting the place in which I live and my family live.
“I don’t bring politics into it, what I do is for the village and the people in it — all I’ve done is what people would expect of me, and we’ve got a good team of people on the council.” While the increasing move to the internet and Ron’s Parkinsons means he is slowing down a little — although it certaintly hasn’t stopped him — he continues to play a key role in imparting his years of experience and memories of previous decisions on newer members. Ron addd: “I’ve seen at least 50 different people on the council over the years.
“I’ve got memories of decisions made years ago, I can point the younger members in the right direction. “It’s about building good relationships, if you’ve got a mind to do it join the parish council and support the people and community. “Become involved — because it’s your life and your environment.
” In recognition of his dedication Ron has been invited to one of the Royal Buckingham Palace Garden Parties on May 7, which he described as an ‘honour’ and will attend with his granddaughter Charlotte Gill. His work was also recognised at a recent meeting of the council, where chairman David Catanach said: “We thank you for your unwavering commitment, passion and common sense that you have brought to the parish council. “Your impact goes beyond these tables.
The mentorship and guidance you have provided have shaped how this parish council operates and delivers to our parishioners, has set precedents as to the values we uphold and leaves a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond achievements on paper. “Your kindness, wisdom and generosity have been a beacon light for us all. “I understand you have already received an invitation to attend one of His Majesty’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace later this year in recognition of this milestone and service to the community.
“We are honoured to have shared some of the journey with you and look forward to years to come.”.
