Sheffie Mohammed steps down (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sheffie Mohammed steps down

9:00am Friday 18th May 2007

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THE man regarded as the grandfather of Stroud District Council has stepped down after 33 years.

Sheffie Mohammed MBE has been described as one of the hardest working ward councillors by his colleagues.

The restorations of both Stroud's arch commemorating the abolition of slavery and the bandstand in Stratford Park are among the achievements for which Mr Mohammed is especially proud.

The 82-year-old great grandfather was born in Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and was trained as a jeweller and watchmaker.

He served in the RAF during the Second World War and moved to Stroud in the early 1950s.

Mr Mohammed was first elected in June 1973, shortly before the newly formed SDC began providing services in April 1974.

For many years he served the Uplands, Paganhill and Farmhill areas an Independent member, before the boundaries of his ward were changed in 2001.

Mr Mohammed was the vice chairman of the council on three occasions and served on housing committees.

Council leader Chas Fellows (Con, Chalford) said Mr Mohammed was highly regarded by colleagues and the public alike.

"He will be strongly missed," he said. "He was affectionately known as the grandfather of the council.

"He was an extremely hard working ward councillor and extremely warm and welcoming to new members.

"On his walks around his ward he knew almost everybody by name.

"We were delighted when Sheffie was awarded the MBE. He will be a hard act to follow."

Mr Mohammed said he was proud of his record of continuous service and described his mention in the honours list as 'a nice way to end up'.

"I would like to thank all those people who have supported me over the years," he said.

"It was very much appreciated that they kept me in office all those years.

"I enjoyed every minute of it."

Mr Mohammed is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Mary, and enjoying days out without having to worry about getting back in time for council meetings.

The couple have two children, including a daughter in Australia, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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