Welsh wizard had a magical spell

DESCRIBED simultaneously as a “Welsh wizard” and a “Welsh dragon” Oldham’s retiring Mayor, David Jones, was sent off with a big thank-you — and the promise of a title as an honorary alderman.

He and retiring Mayoress, his wife Jean, heard of the high regard they had commanded for their contribution to the borough over the past year.

Mr Jones was described by council leader Jim McMahon as the council chamber’s best orator, while Mrs Jones was known for “rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in” when there was any work to be done on her rounds as a civic leader.

Councillor McMahon said: “Oldham needs people like David, with his dedication, experience, passion and judgment.

“In July he will be made honorary alderman — a position about high regard and in recognition of continuing contribution to the social and civic fabric of this borough.”

Lib-Dem leader, Councillor Howard Sykes, offered Mr Jones a “good luck and thank-you” for setting a new benchmark in chairing council meetings, for which he good-humouredly named him Oldham’s Welsh dragon.

And it was Councillor John Hudson who called him a Welsh wizard for his hands-on approach and never being afraid to pitch in, calling the pair “a gradely” Mayor and Mayoress.

Mr Jones paid tribute to the sterling work of his supporters, both in carrying out civic duties and in the fundraising which brought in £30,000 for the Mayor’s charities last year.

He said: “I would like to thank the people of Oldham.

“It has been one of the most welcoming towns that anyone could make their home.

“I doubt that in some parts of Wales an English person would have been allowed to do what I have been able to do here.”