FORMER councillor Gordon Beever has been honoured for his years of dedicated service to the Colne Valley.
A surprise party was held for Mr Beever at Marsden Mechanics Hall on July 4 by former councillor Barry Fearnley and his wife Kirklees councillor Margaret Fearnley.
Guests enjoyed a drinks reception, two course meal, guest speakers and entertainment from a pianist, soprano singer and bass baritone singer.
Mr Fearnley said: “Gordon has worked very hard for his community and the council. We wanted to thank him for his efforts.”
The party was prompted by Mr Beever’s retirement as a Liberal Democrat Kirklees councillor in May. He had served on the council since 1982, first for Colne Valley West and later Colne Valley ward.
He had sat on most of the council’s major committees and spent time as cabinet member for finance and legal services when the Liberal Democrats had control of the authority.
He was also chairman of West Yorkshire Fire Authority from 2005 to 2007 and represented Yorkshire on the strategy and finance committee of the Local Government Association.
His most recent project was a role in securing a new fire station for Marsden.
He also stood for Parliament four times over the years.
