Clerk of the Hutton Cranswick Parish Council of nearly 20 years was honoured with a surprise celebration of her time as clerk and presentation at the village’s WI Hall on Friday evening.
Gail Newlove stepped down from the role on 31st December 2015 and members of the Parish Council gathered to say thanks for her services. She was presented by the Parish Council with a Robert Fuller print of a woodpecker as well as a Parish Council certificate of merit.
Gail, who has lived in the village with her husband since 1983, spoke of her surprise of the presentation.
She said: “I had no inkling whatsoever that I was going to receive anything like this. The print by Robert Fuller is lovely and I really like his work.
“I missed the previous meeting in December due to illness so was invited to this one and it turned out to be a nice surprise.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time as the Clerk and made some friends for life. As I said to everyone on Friday night, I really didn’t expect to be in the role for nearly 20 years.”
Gail admitted she is looking forward to the extra spare time and is hoping to learn to play the piano, as well as spend more time knitting and reading.
Current chairman of 21 years of the Parish Council, Stephen Richardson, told the Wolds Weekly that Gail will be sorely missed by all.
“Gail did an absolutely wonderful job for Hutton Cranswick Parish Council. She was always very willing to offer help for everyone”
“She kept us on the right track and was a very efficient, helpful, friendly but firm personality.”
Fellow member of the Parish Council, Yvonne Mills, echoed Stephen’s thoughts. “Gail did an absolutely wonderful job whilst she was our Clerk. She was extremely knowledgeable.
“I think she knew everyone in the village. I don’t know how she ever went shopping as whenever she left the house everyone wanted to talk to her about something.”
Gail will be replaced by Stephen Sanderson, a long-serving resident in the village, who has worked for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council for many years. Stephen Richardson added: “Stephen has worked for the Council for a long time and knows the ropes well. We’re looking forward to a long association with him.”
