Letter: Some Thank Yous As I Retire After 24 Years

Published on: 21 Apr, 2023
Updated on: 21 Apr, 2023

Cllr Pauline Searle

From: Pauline Searle

As the “veteran” Lib Dem councillor for Stoughton after 24 years I am retiring, as reported by The Dragon.

I would like to thank the residents of Stoughton for their unfailing support over the last 24 years as their councillor. It has been an honour and privilege to represent them. I have always tried my best to help and support wherever possible, be it small or large issues that affected my residents.

I am very proud of the successes I have had, especially when it comes to the local parks and countryside.

Pauline as The Mayor of Guildford…

I have always been a community person; this was the main reason I became a councillor. I have very much enjoyed that aspect and have enjoyed being involved.

A major highlight for me was my year as Mayor of Guildford and being Deputy Mayor twice. I met some wonderful people, lots of unsung heroes that do so much for the community. It gives you a true insight into what a great place Guildford is to live in.

As Mayor, I was pleased to officially name St Catherine’s Footpath at the invitation of Martin Giles (before he became a Dragon!). He knew that I spent my childhood in St Catherine’s and that I remembered using the path on my way to school every day.

…and cutting the ribbon for the formally named footpath in December 2009…

I have also been involved in some great events in Stoughton especially the two World War One events that we held at Cardwell Keep, which brought the history of Stoughton and the barracks in the Great War to life. I was part of a wonderful team with David Rose and Shelia Willis.

Pauline at the World War 1 commemoration event in 2018 with organisers with David Rose, and (right) Sheila Willis.

I was involved from the start, of the Queen Elizabeth Park redevelopment when in 1999 the MOD put in an outline application for housing on the former barracks. I continued to be involved right through the many public community and planning meetings to the completion of the scheme. I am very proud of how it has since continued to develop and become a big part of the community of Stoughton.

“Carols on the Green” was another event I was involved with and I was one of the coordinators of Chitty Common Friends Group which met monthly to help maintain the common.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many officers and staff members at Guildford Borough Council that have been a great help and support to me over the years. I am afraid they don’t always get the credit and thanks they deserve but I certainly appreciate all they do.

Lastly, I have been very lucky to have met so many wonderful and dedicated people in the last 24yrs, especially in the Lib Dem group but also all the other councillors that I have enjoyed working closely with over the years. I will miss you all.

Responses to Letter: Some Thank Yous As I Retire After 24 Years

Wayne Smith Reply

April 21, 2023 at 9:55 pm

Well done and thanks to Cllr Searle for all she’s done for Guildford.

In probably the most bitterly contested local elections in my memory, all current and prospective councillors would do well to take note of Cllr Searle’s words: “I have always been a community person; this was the main reason I became a councillor. I have very much enjoyed that aspect and have enjoyed being involved.”

Best wishes on your retirement.
Paul Spooner Reply

April 22, 2023 at 4:41 pm

Pauline will be missed across the floor. A wonderful community councillor and someone who would always give honest advice. The Conservative Group at GBC thank Pauline for outstanding service to the community.

On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pauline. I say to her: enjoy your well-earned retirement from GBC.

Paul Spooner is the leader of the Conservative group at GBC.
Adrian Chandler Reply

April 22, 2023 at 11:21 pm

I just wanted to thank Pauline for her hard work and for being a supportive deputy chair on the Customer Executive Advisory Board that I chaired. Pauline had to take over the chair on the one occasion when I had an unusual coughing fit and kept business going until I could return.

Her brother was one of my colleagues at the first firm I worked at and gave me good advice on pensions. Pauline’s dad was one of the best electricians I’d ever come across when he installed the lights and sockets in an extension I put on the house.

Certainly a life full of service. She will be sorely missed. Happy retirement!

Adrian Chandler is a former Conservative borough councillor.
Angela Goodwin Reply

April 23, 2023 at 2:07 pm

It has been an honour and privilege to work with Pauline Searle at Guildford Borough Council.

And, in response to her letter on The Guildford Dragon NEWS, I’d like to say a few words.

Pauline is a true community individual and happy to help anyone who needs it.

When she retired as County Councillor for Guildford North after 16 years, she was always there to share her knowledge and wisdom with me.

I have no doubt that Pauline will continue to be busy in her “retirement years” focussing on her family and friends, but her happy, welcoming nature – and balanced views – will be missed by many of us.

I do feel blessed to be part of her life and hope our friendship will continue for many years to come.

All the very best, Pauline!

Angela Goodwin is a Lib Dem candidate for Onslow in the forthcoming GBC election.