A sad day yesterday

I attended the Priory yesterday along with hundreds of others, the funeral of Barbara Spreadbury wife of ex Councillor Eric whose fifty years consecutive service as a Christchurch Borough Councillor will never I suspect be surpassed. It does seem to me that we do not reflect often enough about the contribution given by Councillors like Eric nor do we clearly acknowledge how much we appreciate the gift of their time and the gift of their lifetime experience in ensuring that Christchurch has had a sustainable future. Reflecting on the massive cultural, social and lifestyle changes in the fifty years to 2011 brings even more admiration for the selfless contribution that Eric and Barbara made to this Borough. She will be sadly missed not just because of her total support of Eric in his Councillor/ Mayoralty role but because she represented an age where integrity and responsibility were appreciated and valued by those persons less able or willing to contribute to the community. Barbara was a special person it was a privilege to know her and a delight to work with Eric in Council for four years up to his retirement and see Barbara's support for him and indeed her support for the Ancient Borough of Christchurch.