Leading members of the community

Nominations are being sought for the most outstanding local councillor in south Warwickshire. The winner will receive the Fred Parrott Shield, an award from Stratford-on-Avon District Council that has been running for three years. Last year's winner was a past Chairman of Studley Parish Council Bill McCarthy, who was also District Council Chairman in 2000/01.  

"Fred Parrott was one of Stratford-on-Avon District Council's oldest serving elected members but tragically died suddenly on 5 September 2002 aged 78 years, following a stroke," said Cllr Tony Dixon, Chairman of Stratford District Council.  

"He had been a councillor for 50 years during which time he held the chairmanships of both the District and County Councils, as well as Mayor of the Borough of Stratford in 1959/60.  

"Fred Parrott demonstrated outstanding commitment to the public interest and I am very pleased to launch this year's Fred Parrott Shield to recognise other councillors, past or present."  

Anyone can put forward names of any local parish, town, district or county councillors, past or present in the Stratford District. Nominations should be accompanied by a short letter stating the reasons and addressed to the Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HX. The closing date is 1 April.  

The award will be decided by a committee of five councillors, including the Council Chairman, Cllr Tony Dixon, and the shield will be presented at the annual meeting of the District Council on 24 May. The award consists of a wooden shield with five badges that were originally presented to Fred Parrott or his wife Joan, together with inscription on a metal plate.