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TRIBUTES were paid this week to a Wellesbourne Parish Councillor whose death at the weekend was said to be a great loss to the council and to the wider community, writes Rebekah Smith. Cllr Tony Copeland, in his 60s, died at about 8pm on Saturday night at his home in Chestnut Square with his family around him. He was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx just a few months ago. At a meeting on Tuesday evening parish councillors paid tribute to a dedicated colleague and friend before they and the public gallery stood for a minute’s silence. Chairman Cllr David Johnston, first met Cllr Copeland as a fellow dog-walker, said: “Though he joined the council only in 2008, he had worked for the community of Wellesbourne in many ways. Most significantly he led on the representations and negotiations with the Environment Agency following the River Dene flooding in 2007.” |
He added: “We all knew him as enthusiastic, active, committed and assertive, argumentative when he needed to be – he didn’t suffer fools gladly. We shall all miss him greatly. My thoughts are with Penny [his wife] and his family.” Since joining the council in May 2008 Cllr Copeland contributed much, serving as chair of the highways committee and taking the lead on producing a parish plan to guide future development in the village – something which Cllr Roger Wright said would be his legacy. Cllr Wright said Cllr Copeland had certainly left his mark: “He’s going to be a sad loss for the council. He had a tremendous enthusiasm for anything Wellesbourne. He understood the needs of the village and that was the most important thing. He had an enthusiasm which knew no bounds. He joined the council to make a contribution and he certainly did that.” |
In addition to his councillor duties, Cllr Copeland was a trustee of Chedham’s Yard, served on the village hall committee and was secretary of Wellesbourne Flower Club for more than five years. President of the club Wendy Bryan said: “We’re going to miss him greatly. He did so much and he helped us along.” Cllr David Close, also a trustee of Chedham’s Yard said he was a great asset to the Chedham’s Yard project and will be much missed. Vice-chair Cllr John Grantham, said: “Cllr Copeland was a privilege to work with. Once he got on the council I realised I was working with quite a remarkable man. He had a very agile and keen brain and he had a wealth of experience. He was a go-getter. I think Wellesbourne is really the poorer without him. I’m really sad and sorry that he’s gone.” |