Tory stalwart Ray retires as president

FAREWELL . . . (from the left) Ann Heeks, Ken Heeks, Carole Stephenson and Ray Whitehead (sitting)

RAY Whitehead, a long-standing president of Oldham West and Royton Conservative Association, marked his retirement from the post with a party for colleagues, friends and family at the Royal Toby Hotel in Rochdale.

Mr Whitehead served as an Oldham councillor from 1976-80 and served on numerous committees during his 40 years with the Tories.

He retired from Oldham Council in 1980 because of business commitments in the North-East of England. He intended to return, but his wife developed cancer and needed his continuous help and support.

Ray succeeded Malcolm Bamford, both as president of the Oldham West and Royton Conservative Association and as chairman of the Werneth Conservative Ward Committee, a position he has held for many years.

While on the council, he was made chairman of the Coliseum Theatre, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In recognition of his public and political service, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 1995.