End of an era as Kenilworth councillors step back

Cllr Edwards during her time as Kenilworth mayor

Conservative members Pauline Edwards and Norman Vincett are retiring after a combined 48 years of making a difference to Kenilworth and its residents.

Pauline, who has served St John’s for the past 30 years, said despite knowing she will miss the people and experiences, health issues mean it is time to say goodbye.

“I have been a town councillor since I was in my 40s and it really has been very worthwhile,” she said. “I have enjoyed it all and met a tremendous amount of people, and of course seen a lot of changes in Kenilworth, both good and bad.

The county council are running a 'imaging our past and present' project to protect building of interest. Picture of Cllr Norman Vincett beside the Abbey Fields gate house - which is a protected building.
Mhlc-15-02-12 gatehouse feb71 ENGNNL00120120215164211 — The county council are running a 'imaging our past and present' project to protect building of interest. Picture of Cllr Norman Vincett beside the Abbey Fields gate house - which is a protected building. Mhlc-15-02-12 gatehouse feb71 ENGNNL00120120215164211

“I will miss it, but I do think it is time to step back and let somebody else take over.”

The former teacher, who also served on Warwick District Council, has been mayor three times and worked closely with fellow ward councillor Norman Vincett, who will also retire when polls open in May.

Cllr Vincett, currently leader of the council, has held a seat for a 18 years - starting in 1987 and taking a ten year break until being re-elected in 2001. He will also stand down after nine years on Warwick District Council.

“I look forward to seeing the new lot get sworn in at the castle, but as a member of the public this time,” he said. “I have had a very enjoyable time in both levels of council and I feel as if we have accomplished something and made a real difference, which is the payback.”

Mark Davison, his wife Helen, and kids Ella, Sam and Leo. They are complaining about the shabby state of play equipment in the Abbey Fields play area in Kenilworth. They are pictured with Cllr Ann Blacklock (on left) who has organised a petition.
MHLC-13-06-12 Shabby play equipment JUN83 ENGNNL00120120613173738 — Mark Davison, his wife Helen, and kids Ella, Sam and Leo. They are complaining about the shabby state of play equipment in the Abbey Fields play area in Kenilworth. They are pictured with Cllr Ann Blacklock (on left) who has organised a petition. MHLC-13-06-12 Shabby play equipment JUN83 ENGNNL00120120613173738

“A statement from the town council read: “After so many years, it is difficult to imagine the council without the presence of Pauline, whilst the expertise Norman has brought to the council will be missed.”

Also in St John’s, Conservative Alan Cockburn is stepping down to focus on his role as deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council.

Conservative Erica Davies will not stand again due to work commitments, and Cllr John Dagg has left the area - meaning of six seats in the ward, only Cllr Richard Davies will stand for re-election in May.

In Abbey Ward, Liberal Democrat Pat Ryan will retire, alongside Cllr Mark Lewis in Parkhill who will instead focus on other commitments.

On Warwick District Council, Ann Blacklock will not stand for re-election, alongside Cllr Dagg and Cllr Vincett, leaving three seats up for grabs. The Liberal Democrat member said despite “very much enjoying” her 12 years in Abbey Ward, she feels it is time to let some new minds onto the council to bring a new way of thinking.