Judy Brandis retired recently after 22 years as a Councillor for Haddenham, on Aylesbury Vale District Council and, for the last year, on Buckinghamshire Council.
On Wednesday 19th May, members of the Committee of Haddenham Village Society marked her retirement at a windswept garden party attended by past and present members of the Committee; they presented her with an engraved glass bowl in recognition of her work.
Speaking at the party, Roderick Floud, Chairman of the Village Society, referred to the fact that our councillors are often under-appreciated. They are held responsible for decisions which they can't influence or are expected to work miracles. Their work has been particularly difficult in the last decade when funding has been taken away from local authorities and decisions made in Whitehall, but councils have been given many extra duties.
Judy, fully supported by her husband John, has worked extremely hard on behalf of Haddenham and its residents; she has always been available to her constituents, has responded to their messages and has helped them in many ways.
Brian Bowman, President of the Society, in presenting Judy with the bowl, also referred to her longstanding support for the Society and her constant work for the village, from the welfare of ducks on the village ponds to her attempts to make sure that new housing developments are well designed and are integrated with the older areas of the village.
Responding, Judy thanked the Society, the Parish Council and many others in Haddenham for their support.
She added: "The work had not always been easy, but I have been privileged to represent a strong, varied and vibrant community."
