A Hurst and Wokingham community stalwart has announced he is stepping back from his official duties laster this year.
Cllr Wayne Smith has played a huge role in the life of the village as a parish councillor for 22 years.
He announced this week: “I have decided to stand down from my various positions within the village at the next election, May 2nd, 2024. After 22 years as a parish councillor, 20 years as chairman, 12 years as borough councillor, along with a 16-year period with Hurst Village Society until I resigned in 2021, its time to say goodbye. It’s been an honour to represent such a great place, I’ve met some wonderful people and made some special friends.”
He added that some of his highlights had been the Royal Jubilee celebrations, creating the Community Orchard and obtaining the village allotments. And he remembered some special villagers lost during his time and having to deal with the Covid pandemic.
“During Covid creating a team of volunteers to support the village showed real community spirit. We also completed over 10 huge litter picks with over 300 residents joining myself and the team over a series of weekends.”
He remembered that one of the first things he did, back in 2004, was to set up the St. Nicholas Night Celebrations, which are now in their 20th year. Year on year the village gets hundreds of residents for the turning on of the village Christmas tree lights and enjoying some festive carols. He was also proud of his contribution to defending unsustainable developments as well as work in the village supporting the police over speeding.
He concluded: “Hurst is very fortunate to have some great club – cricket, football, bowls, along with an amazing church. Our six pubs and village store also play an important part in supporting the community. We are very lucky they have managed to survive where so many have closed.
“So many other memories which I will share on the parish council website. I will of course still be around until May, thanks for your support over the years.”
And dozens of people took to social media to thank him and sing his praises. One commented ‘Your dedication, commitment and determination to do the best for our village, not just for the short term, but for the long haul, leaves shoes that will be a challenge to fill. Another added: “What you have done for this village is incalculable. Your list here misses so much that you’ve done behind the scenes as well as on the front line to ensure that events have been so successful. You have ‘got your hands dirty’ time and time again helping Hurst residents out and have been a fountain of information when needed.
Then there’s the numerous times that you’ve kept us all informed about any local problems. I could go on…”