Tributes paid to retiring town clerk who has dedicated many years to helping Leamington thrive

It is fair to say that dedicated town clerk Robert Nash has found himself taking on a variety of roles during his many years of service to the people of Leamington.

And his friends and colleagues have been reflecting back on these happy memories to mark his retirement after 18 years.

Robert, 63, a Welsh lad by birth, started working for the town council as clerk in 2002.

There have been numerous interesting moments in his service to the town from overseeing council debates to less auspicious moments such as finding himself locked inside the mayor’s parlour in the town hall.

Within the rich range of duties that constitute the role of town clerk, he has variously found himself diverting traffic on Remembrance Sunday and serving tea, coffee and cakes at an international food market in Bruhl, Germany with whom Leamington Town is twinned.

The mayor, Cllr Susan Rasmussen, led the tributes from the town council, saying: “Robert, for 18 years you have dedicated yourself to the town council and the people of Leamington, and during that time have given outstanding service to our community.

"One lasting legacy is the Neighbourhood Plan, which will protect our open spaces, parks and gardens from overdevelopment. It now just awaits the opportunity for residents to approve it formally.

"Your other achievements and attributes are too many to list here, but some of my longer-serving colleagues spoke warmly of them during our farewell ceremony. A group of former mayors also sent their best wishes, so I know I am not alone in having benefitted from your experience and sage advice.

“All your colleagues and friends at Royal Leamington Spa Town Council join me in wishing you a happy and busy retirement.”

Robert said: “After 18 years as town clerk of Royal Leamington Spa, I shall certainly miss both the challenges of the role and the many people it has been my pleasure to have met.

"The role of the town clerk is dependent on developing effective partnerships with a wide variety of organisations and individuals and in that regard I have been very well served during my time in Leamington.

"The town faces many challenges, as indeed do many communities across the country.

However Leamington has always risen to such challenges and through its strong sense of community I am sure it will continue to do so.”

Robert is married to Deidre and they have two grown-up sons, Daniel and Phillip.

He received a painting of Leamington and a long wanted gift of binoculars from the Leamington community, friends and Councillors as a mark of respect and tribute for his many years of service.