Express & Star

Veteran councillor dies

A veteran councillor who represented a South Staffordshire village for more than 40 years has died.

Published
Councillor Bryn Whitehouse

Councillor Bryn Whitehouse, who was 80, joined Essington Parish Council in June 1973 and also served on the district council. He continued to serve the community up to his death yesterday(WED).

Paying tribute to him, Councillor David Clifft, said: "He was one of our community's great characters. Bryn was Essington and Essington was Bryn Whitehouse.

"People like Bryn are irreplaceable and the likes will never be seen again. He spent his life wisely serving his beloved Essington."

He said Councillor Whitehouse left the village 'a better place' as a result of his work.

A big patriot, Councillor Whitehouse flew the flag of St George from the top of a 25ft high pole on his front drive every day for almost half a century. He made one exception for the American flag on the election of President Barack Obama - with the flag coming from Essington, Pennsylvania.

Ten years ago he wrote a book about the village's footpaths and ancient sites, funded by Staffordshire County Council and the parish council. Every resident was given a copy.

On reaching the 40-year public service milestone in 2013, the great-grandfather told a meeting of the parish council: “I love the place and would do anything for it.”