Tributes paid to long-serving Coltishall councillor

Tributes have been paid to a long-serving parish councillor who has stepped down from his role after 30 years.

Joe Chapman, 83, former chairman and Coltishall Parish Councillor, was the guest of honour at a special dedication given by other parish councillors.

The parish council paid thanks for everything he had done and also described how Mr Chapman, who is a keen gardener, had been also been instrumental in ensuring the allotments association continued to thrive, via his involvement with the commons trust, which he joined in 1979 before being elected onto the council in 1981 and serving 12 years as chairman.

A spokesman for the parish council said: 'Joe has made great contribution, ensuring that the heritage and condition of our scenic village commons remains a legacy for all of the village and beyond to savour and enjoy.

'Additionally Joe has also taken very much interest in ensuring the village playing fields play-park and hall have been maintained for all to enjoy.

'Joe has through with his vast experience of village history, tradition and indeed folk lore, has always been very much a guiding light for younger less village wise members.'

They also presented him with a tankard which he is having engraved.

Speaking about why he decided to step-down, Mr Chapman said: 'I think there are younger people around with different ideas and physically I am not what I used to be. I am very passionate about the village, I was born in Coltishall and lived here all my life, and I can trace my family here back to the 18th century.'