Dunkerton and Tunley Parish Council, friends and relatives held a presentation on Friday, 12th July in Dunkerton Parish Hall to recognise Robert Gardiner’s 49 years of service as a Parish Councillor.

Robert took office on 3rd June 1970, and until he decided this year not to stand for re-election, served continuously as a Councillor, Vice-Chairman and Chairman. There was ready recognition too, for the unstinting and selfless support provided to Robert and the wider Parish throughout by Marilyn Gardiner.

Cllr David Orme, the current Chairman of the Parish Council, said: “It is very difficult to adequately describe and say thanks for the contribution Robert has made over such a mind-blowingly long period of service.

“Beyond the schedule of regular Parish Council meetings, Robert has sacrificed countless hours working behind the scenes on any number of maintenance and repair tasks across the parish, many with his trusty JCB.

“Additionally, Robert has been a driving force in the organisation of important commemorative events, such as last November’s WWI National Remembrance event. It is, of course, equally important to recognise Marilyn’s unstinting support throughout. We really are hugely grateful to them both.”

In 1992, Robert was awarded the Conservation West Award at the Bath and West Show in recognition of “the extraordinarily high standard of conservation” carried out on his farm. Conservation and Environmental protection have been part of his management policy for decades – long before they became high fashion. In the hope that Robert can now enjoy more of his own time in such crucial interests, he was presented with a voucher to enable him to buy a significant number of trees of his choice from The Woodland Trust.