By Terry Bearpark
A South Holderness resident has been honoured for his long and dedicated service to the community.
Ernie Oldfield recently stepped down as a member of Ottringham Parish Council, after serving as a councillor and chairman for well over 20 years.
Prior to that he was also a member and chairman of Keyingham Parish Council.
Mr Oldfield is also a member of the Withernsea and District Lions Club, with many spells as president and is currently secretary. He is also a long-standing member of the Royal British Legion as well as several community committees and charities in the area.
At this week’s parish council meeting, attended by representatives of East Riding Council,
St Wilfred’s Church, Ottringham Church Lands Charity, Ottringham Village Institute, Ottringham Post Office and Ottringham Village Hall, Julia Billaney, chairman of the parish council, paid tribute on behalf of the village to Ernie’s service, not only to the village but to other organisations in the area.
She said: “Under Ernie’s leadership as chairman I have learned so much about being a councillor and how important it is to have a measured, inclusive group of people who represent the whole community, balancing a strong tradition of service with a clear vision for the future.”
East Riding Ward councillor Claire Holmes also gave thanks to Ernie’s service to the community and also thanked his wife Jean for her support of him.
Cllr Billaney then awarded Ernie the Freedom of the Parish which is the highest civic honour that can be awarded to an individual for valuable service and commitment to the community. She also presented Jean with a bouquet of flowers.
