Dear Editor,
Last Wednesday (12 March) four or five councillors joined with council staff to say goodbye to Derek Shingleton after 20 years service.
Derek was the Town Council’s accountant, officially that is. Unofficially he was much more.
Derek deputised as Town Clerk, legal advisor, employment law advisor, and on many occasions helped get the council out of difficult situations (my lips are sealed).
He was of particular help to me when Mayor, help I have no doubt he freely offered to colleagues undertaking that arduous role and I am truly grateful to him.
I wish you a long and healthy retirement Derek, your wise counsel will be sadly missed by me.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Makepeace, Ferryhill Town Councillor.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
