Reading Borough Conservatives have paid tribute to long-serving Councillor Fred Pugh who has announced his decision to retire from the Council at this year’s local elections.
Fred, who is now in his seventies, is a former railwayman with more than 30 years experience on Reading Borough Council. During his time he represented Caversham, Thames and most recently Mapledurham wards. In 2009-10 Fred achieved the ultimate accolade as a Councillor when he was elected as Reading’s first citizen. He was a popular and effective Mayor, accompanied throughout by his loyal wife Jean.
As befits his past railway service Fred is passionate about trains and has travelled around the world on the railways of many nations. He is currently on a tour of the railways of Brazil. He campaigned to bring the Huntley & Palmers biscuit train back to Reading.
Fred has served on most of the committees of the Council over the years and is currently the longest serving Conservative on the Planning Committee. He has also represented the Council on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, the boards of Readibus, the local Tourist Board and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. He was also Chairman of the Governors of Kendrick Grammar School during which time he oversaw the appointment of the successful current head-teacher.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Tim Harris said, “Rarely has someone served Reading for so long and in so many ways. Fred is a fount of knowledge and great experience, and has been a great servant of the people of Reading and the Conservative Group. I wish him well in his retirement from the Council and thank him for his dedicated service”.
Councillor Andrew Cumpsty who succeeded Fred as Conservative Group Leader said, "Fred has not only given long and distinguished civic service to all the residents that he has served, but he also put the needs of our Town as a whole at the top of his agenda. He served as a distinguished Mayor, setting the bar high on exactly how the role should be done and during my years as Leader of the Conservative Group, his wise counsel and support was hugely helpful to me. I will never forget the kindness of both Fred and Jean. Civic Reading will miss them greatly”.