West Dean councillor steps down after 36 years

John Ruffell, pictured with his wife Diana, alonside councillors at his retirement party at West Dean House. ks1500574-1 SUS-151111-181512008

Cllr John Ruffell has stepped down from West Dean Parish Council after 36 years.

Fellow councillors arranged a special celebration for him at West Dean House on November 11.

As a surprise it was arranged for John and his wife Diana to be chauffeur driven to the event by a Rolls-Royce, generously laid on by the Goodwood motor company.

“It was a great evening, a little bit emotional if I’m honest and everybody was there,” said Mr Ruffell, who was chairman of the parish council for around 20 years.

“The whole thing was a great surprise, particularly the man driving the Rolls-Royce knocking at my door.”

Over his many years on the parish council Mr Ruffell was an ever reliable representative on the Lavant Valley Forum and was part of the successful speed limit campaign.

Mr Ruffell played a big part in bringing affordable housing to the area, worked with police and others to help combat local crime and was a regular volunteer at the museum.

Mr Ruffell has stepped down from West Dean Parish Council after moving to Selsey with his wife of 59 years Diana.

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