Tributes paid to former Wordsley councillor

Harry Nottingham, who spent two spells on Dudley Council as well as being chairman of governors at the Crestwood School, Kingswinford, passed away on Saturday morning.

He first started his Conservative career as a councillor for Kingswinford South between 1991 and 1995 before returning to the council from 2006 until 2010 representing Wordsley.

Since his return to the council chamber, Harry was chairman of the select committee for children’s services between 2006 and 2009.

He was also a member of the Brierley Hill Area Committee throughout his council membership and served on a number of other committees.

Fellow councillors have given their tributes to Harry, with Chris Kelly MP for Dudley South describing him as a “great gentleman and a true friend”.

“He was a truly great man,” he said.

“He was a skilled chairman of Dudley South Conservative Association and an assiduous, liked and respected Wordsley Councillor.

“I valued enormously his sage advice and wisdom.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley's Conservative Group, said: “He was always respected by members of the conservative group and opposition parties.

“Always a gentleman, he remained committed to the Conservative Party, even attending meetings until a few months ago.”

Fellow councillor David Blood praised his "very dear friend".

He said: “Harry was well respected for his joyful fun, but at times could be very firm.

“He lived life to the full and always said to my wife and I that life is too short so we should make the most of it while we can.”

Harry spent his working life as a local headteacher and was chairman of governors at the Crestwood School between 1993 and 2009.

Tony Bowles, headteacher, said: “Harry was a popular and well respected governor.

“He oversaw many changes in the school including the building of a new sports hall to improve the facilities for our students. He was a very hard-working governor and always very supportive.

“He will be sadly missed.”