howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I am very sorry to hear he has die ,always had a smile on his face ,we would talk to each other after a council meeting even that we was not on the same side.I think he will get a very good send off when the time come.
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Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,024
A lovely man a true Gentleman.Different party but politics never came into it .I shall miss him
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,890
Bill took me under his wing over 30 years ago and helped and guided me over the years.
He showed me he can adapt and speak with people of all walks of life and put them at ease.
Bill was very active in his earlier years in the Labour party, sitting on the Executive and general committee's also holding many positions within Dover District council.
Also Mayor a number of times.
Bill was a well respected man, who had the respect of all the parties.
He chaired the District council for many years and had the talent of keeping cllrs in order whilst showing his humorous side as well.
I served with Bill on the District and County councils and it was a pleasure to be in his company.
Each month we would go into the local schools to talk to the children to try to get them engaged in politics, to watch him in action taught me so much.
There are never ending issues I could relate to with bill but heres just a few below;
When KCC decided they wanted to close St Rads primary school Bill got himself active, and where the controlling party had such a big majority it was an uphill struggle to keep the school open.
Bill set about the sub committee and managed to get support to have a wide consultation and meeting at the school. Only by having the respect of the controlling party was this able to be achieved.
His passionate speeches at the county council and District council everyone always sat up and listened.
I visited Bill only last week and although very frail, still wanted to tell me all about his party and his past.
Bill will always fight his corner, and look out for those that need help.
Bill was a gentle man but when he needed to make a point everyone knew this gentle man meant business.
Bill took me over to Calais once and he met the mayor of Calais who had a great following, in his usual way bill spoke to the Mayor in broken French, something the Calais Mayor loved.
This friendship continued outside of politics.
Bill is a very welcoming person, when he arranged to meet people from Norway, not only did he arrange the celebration, but invited many back to his house.
Politics and Labour has lost one of its best councillors/person
RIP Bill
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ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,835
A lovely man who I met quite often when he came to meet his wife after her stint at the Age Concern shop.
RIP Bill.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
a good teacher to,under his guidance during the mid 60s.
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,305
He always had time for a chat when we met in the street. Lovely man.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
Saddened to read of Bill's passing whilst away on my hols.
Local people have testified to his good manners & courteousness,
My first memories of Bill were as a pupil at Archers Court School.
His approach to those pupils who were less advanced than others helped them develop their potential.
His family background from the Eythorne/Elvington area & following in the footsteps of his elder brother as a KCC member reflected much of his thoughts on life.
He was very rarely overtly political but used his elected status to do good.
His appointment as one of Her Majesty's Deputy Lieutenants for Kent was fitting for a quiet man of infinite tradition.
Others have written accurately about his role as Mayor & District Council Chairman.
Always a kind word& smile but tenacious in fighting his corner.
My personal condolences to Jean & family.
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Guest 2222- Registered: 24 Aug 2017
- Posts: 1
Very sorry to hear of Mr Newman`s passing. He taught me math in the 80`s ( as well as great stories from his adventures with Archie! ) A true gentleman and someone to aspire to be like. Rest in Peace.
