FM’s and council leader’s tributes to former mayor

TRIBUTES have been paid by First Minister Mark Drakeford and council leader Huw David to a former Bridgend councillor who recently died.

David White, a former member of Bridgend County Borough Council, died after a short illness earlier this year.

He worked in social services for almost 30 years and served as chairman for the city and county of Swansea branch of Unison. He held a number of local community positions, including as a school governor for Heronsbridge School, as trustee of West Ward Community Centre, and as a board member of the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO).

He was active in local politics, serving as a member of Bridgend town council and also as town mayor 201516. In 2012 he was voted as a member of Bridgend County Borough Council, where he represented what was formerly the Newcastle ward.

Bridgend council leader Huw David paid tribute, saying: “Whether it was food banks or coffee mornings, charity book sales or dressing up as Father Christmas for festive events, David was constantly working to promote local good causes in his own free time, and spent his life raising funds for numerous charities.

“He was a selfless individual who dedicated his entire life towards supporting other people, a community champion who never sought recognition for his efforts. Nevertheless, his commitment towards the local community which he loved so much was ultimately recognised with an Unsung Heroes Trustee award from BAVO, where he was described as being ‘a community activist through to his core, always going the extra mile to help people in the area’.”

Mr Drakeford said: “David White dedicated his working life to supporting others, with a lengthy career in social services, in the union movement, as a town and county councillor, and as a volunteer in his community. He was well regarded, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”