Seat of honour for village stalwart

FORTY years ago, when Hemingford Grey Parish Council was looking for an injection of young blood, tenant farmer Derek Clifton accepted the challenge. Four decades later and the young blood has become an experienced head, having worked tirelessly for the c

FORTY years ago, when Hemingford Grey Parish Council was looking for an injection of young blood, tenant farmer Derek Clifton accepted the challenge.

Four decades later and the young blood has become an experienced head, having worked tirelessly for the community throughout the years.

His dedication and commitment were a cause for celebration, and Derek, of Dockseys Farm, has been presented with a new wooden seat, which he has chosen to sit by the river.

Chairman Stan Rees presented the seat on behalf of the parish council in recognition of Derek's long service to the village.

He told the villagers who gathered for the presentation that Derek had not only contributed to the pleasant appearance of the village, including the supervision of the handyman, but had worked tirelessly following the 1998 floods.

Over the years he also fought to retain the village's green spaces.

He was involved in securing Daintree Green as a playing field, he set up the allotments, and was behind the walk around the disused gravel pits at Marsh Lane.

Derek, a former member of St Ives Rural District Council, said he chose the riverbank for his seat because of his long association with the village regatta.