TRIBUTES have been paid to a former parish council clerk who played an instrumental role in helping to shape the future of Warndon Villages.
Les Bishop, who was clerk of Warndon Parish Council for 20 years, passed away on Monday (January 27), aged 85, after a short illness.
During his time with the council, he worked with 37 different members and guided eight of those, including Coun Ray Morris, as chairman before he retired in 2011.
Coun Morris said he was also one of the founding members of the parish council, which held its first meeting in 1984, and he said Les became known as “Mr Warndon” due to his knowledge of the area.
“Les worked selflessly on behalf of our residents and along with elected councillors helped to shape the future of the Villages,” he said.
“He was always willing to help members with any issues and able to explain much of the history leading up to current issues.
“Les will be missed by everyone who knew him and our thoughts are with his wife Val and family at this time.”
Bob Jenkins, clerk of St Peter’s Parish Council, added: “Les was devoted to serving his community with great care and loyalty. His wealth of knowledge of local government legislation was equalled only by his wisdom.
“He would never shrink from presenting his clear view of the facts. His friendship was a treasure to those of us who were privileged to serve with him. I shall always remember him as Mr Warndon and miss him as a very special friend.”
Les was also well-known for his involvement in cricket coaching in Worcestershire as he notably received the life-time achievement award from the England Cricket Board Coaching Association in 2012.
Since moving to the county in 1967, he formed Bewdley Cricket Club’s junior section before going on to help introduce various cricket courses in Worcester and making visits to schools across the city to teach the sport.
Les was also appointed as one of the four Regional Cricket Development Officers by the National Cricket Association and he was chairman of the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities from 1995 until 2000.
Tom Hill, cricket development director of Worcestershire Cricket Board Limited, said: “Les will always be remembered fondly for the amount of opportunities he provided to so many people.
“Using his networks he was able to get into positions of influence that would unlock resources in the West Midlands to the benefit of cricket. More importantly he was great company and always happy to share his knowledge with the team.”
A funeral will be held at Worcester Crematorium on Thursday (February 6) at midday.
