Parish councillor stands down after 41 years

A MUSBURY parish councillor has stood down after an impressive 41 years of service.

Bob Johnson, 75, was presented with an engraved glass tumbler to mark his time in office.

Mr Johnson is credited with being a founder member of the Children's Playing Field Committee and helping to get the area up and running. He is also known for his work on the allotments.

He said: "The time has come that I feel I should retire. I shall miss it after 41 years - I hardly missed a meeting in all that time.

"I will keep myself busy. I'm still farming part time.

I enjoyed my time on the council and felt it was satisfactory work and we did worthwhile things.

"It was about bringing the community forward, to the future."

Dalwood-born and bred, Mr Johnson moved to Musbury in 1957 with his wife Stella.

That year they began mixed farming at Maidenhayne, where they still live, 50 years and two children later.

Chairman of Musbury Parish Council Colin Corbett said: "Bob is not someone to sing and dance about his efforts but, very quietly over the years, he has made a major contribution to the life in the village. We are all in his debt and will certainly miss him."

During Mr Johnson's last meeting, councillors highlighted the developments he had seen. They noted that in 1968, a gallon of petrol cost five pence and the Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash was a hit that summer.