Holme Valley Parish Council was very sorry to hear of the passing of former Councillor Paul Dixon, who gave an extraordinary 40 years of service to the Council and to the communities of the Holme Valley.
Paul joined the Parish Council on 12 May 1983 and remained a councillor until 2023. During that time he twice served as Chair of the Council, in 1990-91 and 2012-13, and for many years was its longest-serving member, taking great pride in his title of Father of the Council.
Although Paul took an interest in all areas of Parish Council work, he was particularly closely associated with Finance and Planning. Former Councillor Trevor Bellamy remembers his careful stewardship of the Council’s finances and his firm belief in budgeting wisely. His extensive knowledge of the local area, property and planning matters was also an enormous asset to the Council over many decades.
His son, current Councillor Tom Dixon, remembers a man who knew “every backroad of the valley” and seemingly someone on every street. Paul was often the person councillors turned to when they needed an answer about the history of the Council or the local area. Even after reluctantly standing down because of ill health, he continued to take a keen interest in local affairs.
Cllr Tom Dixon also recalls his father as someone who listened to all sides. Council debates could be robust, and father and son did not always agree, but disagreements were left in the council chamber and forgotten by the journey home. Paul made friends across the political divide and was always willing to share his experience with newer councillors.
Councillor Charles Greaves said:
“Paul was a lovely man who cared deeply for Holmfirth and the Holme Valley. Over many decades he volunteered his time and knowledge through the Parish Council for the benefit of residents.”
Councillor Mary Blacka said:
“We should salute Paul’s long record of service on the Parish Council and recognise his peerless knowledge of the local area and local people. With Paul Dixon you knew where you were, as Paul always made clear exactly what he thought. Parish Council meetings were a bit less interesting once Paul was no longer there. It is fitting that Paul passed on his commitment to public service to the next generation.”
Paul loved representing the communities of Scholes and Hade Edge, and his four decades of public service leave a significant legacy.
Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends, including his son and fellow Parish Councillor Tom Dixon, at this very sad time.