A memorial bench has been unveiled in Burradon as a ‘fitting tribute’ to Cllr Ray Glindon.
Cllr Glindon sadly died in April following a long and courageous battle with illness. He was a popular and highly-respected long-serving councillor in the Camperdown ward and cabinet member for Finance and Resources.
Friends and villagers in Burradon wanted to pay tribute with a memorial bench in Ray’s memory, which has been funded by North Tyneside Council.
The bench has been installed overlooking the new football pitch used by Burradon Juniors FC, which Ray worked hard to help bring to fruition.
Ray’s wife Mary Glindon, North Tyneside MP, said: “The Council’s memorial bench at Burradon Juniors Football Club, is a lovely tribute to my darling husband, Ray.
“He had put a lot of time and effort into helping the Club apply for the grant to build the new pitches.
“Ray was a dedicated and hard-working councillor for the people of Burradon and the whole of Camperdown ward, so I know he would be happy and honoured to be remembered in this way.”
Paul Bunyan, Chairman of Burradon Juniors FC, said: “Ray was a fantastic local councillor and a football man through and through. He was a true friend to the football club and helped us so much.
“He never went "seeking glory" as that wasn't his style, but we owe him so much gratitude. He never did get to see a game played at the fantastic facility he did so much to help create, but with the memorial bench in place, he'll be here in spirit for every home match we play, and that's a fitting way to honour and remember a man who gave so much to the community.”
Local resident and close friend Irene Gilbert added: “Ray would just help anyone in any way he could – he’s left a huge hole in the village since his passing and whoever takes over his role as councillor has some very big shoes to fill.
“He was a huge Newcastle United fan and I remember knitting him a black and white striped hat one time, although I’m not very good at knitting but I thought he would like it and he wore it all the time to watch the match.
“Then a couple of weeks later he wasn’t wearing it and I asked him where it was and he said he’d pulled at it and it fell apart! It was no surprise as I didn’t do a very good job!
“He is such a miss and I don’t know who to go to now when I have a problem – Ray was my shoulder.”
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “It is absolutely wonderful to see this new memorial bench installed, which is such a fitting tribute to Ray.
“Ray was a very loyal and good friend to me, but this shows how much he meant to our residents and how dedicated he was to represent his ward. It is wonderful to hear the kind words from those who knew him and would turn to him for help and advice.
“I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the memorial bench happen. I know Ray would have been extremely proud to see it overlooking the new football pitch that he worked so hard to bring to the village.”