Council Laments Peaceful Passing of Long Serving Councillor

Published on: 6 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 7 Sep, 2023

David Goodwin at the Surrey County Council election count in 2013.

Guildford Borough council formally told of their sadness at the news that Honorary Freeman David Goodwin has died.

In a statement issued this morning, it said: “It is with great sadness we confirm that Honorary Freeman David Goodwin passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, September 4.

“David was first elected to our Council in 1999. He represented the Friary & St Nicolas ward for the first 16 years. Then the Onslow ward for the following 8 years.

Leader of the council Julia McShane said: “David Goodwin was an experienced councillor with extensive knowledge built up over his many years serving the community. He was a passionate advocate for residents in his ward and right across Guildford and villages.

“Earlier this year it was a pleasure to see him made Honorary Freeman of the Borough in recognition of his tireless service and devotion to the people, businesses, and charities of Guildford Borough. He will be greatly missed.”

David Goodwin (left) with St Nicolas’ churchwardens to mark the installation of a defibrillator in 2021.

The statement went on to outline his council career: “Throughout his 24 years service, David served on the Licensing Committee, and was its chairman between 2019 and 2023. He was also a designated Licensing Sub-Committee chairman from 2007 to 2023.

“David also served a year on the Council’s Executive in 2019 to 2020 as the Lead Councillor for Waste, Licensing, and Parking.

“He was Vice-Chairman of the Guildford Joint Committee in 2022, Vice-Chairman of the former Building & Works Committee from 2000-2001 and Deputy Vice-Chairman from 1999 to 2000.

“During his time on the Council, David was also a member of the following committees:

Arts and Recreation from 1999-2001
Building & Works Committee from 1999 to 2001
Corporate Governance & Standards Committee from 2021 to 2022
Guildford Joint Committee from 2021 to 2022
Licensing Committee (and predecessor committee) from 1999 to 2023
Licensing Sub-Committee from 2004 to 2023
Overview & Scrutiny Committee from 2001 to 2003 and from 2016 to 2019
Planning from 2001to 2015
Policy Panel (Leisure) from 2001 to 2004.

“David also served on many external bodies and organisations as our representative. These included:

Governor of St Nicolas Church of England Infants School from 2000 to 2004
Guildford Sports Council from 2002 to 2003
Guildford/Freiburg Association Committee from 1999 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2019
Guildford Taxi Advisory Group from 2000 to 2013
Hilliers Charity from 2004 to 2019
Town Centre Licensing Forum from 2000 to 2007

“In addition to his service as a borough councillor, David was a member of Surrey County Council for 16 years from 2005-2021. His division covered the former Friary & St Nicolas and Onslow Wards.

“On June 1, 2023, we conferred the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough upon David. This was in recognition of his distinguished and eminent service to the Borough of Guildford, being a councillor from 1999 to 2023.”