Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats

Cllr Jim Moley

It is with great sadness today that I pay tribute to Councillor Jim Moley who died last month. Indeed, at the last council meeting, which was to be his last, many of us here today, heard Jim's last words in public in this chamber on an issue which affected his division (and mine) as he sat in his seat behind me.

No one could have possibly known about his illness, and it was such a shock to all of us. In fact, it was during the evening of our group meeting to discuss the budget which we are here to debate today, that we all realised that Jim was not with us, and it struck me as unusual, because Jim was always so enthusiastic about budget discussions, so when he was missing, I wondered why. The phone call that evening which came with the news was devastating, and many of us were left with a great feeling of loss for a dear friend and colleague.

Jim was a very private person who did not necessarily share his personal life with others, so no one would have known if he had been ill, but it would not have made it any easier, if anything, we all hope he did not suffer. Indeed, he looked so well for most of the time, and many of us never realised that he was 70, because he certainly didn't look it.

Jim was elected to Oxfordshire County Council in 1997 having been a member of the Vale of White Horse District Council since 1991 and Wantage Town Council since 1983. He was Mayor of Wantage in 1988, 1996 and 1997. I do remember him well during the time he was Mayor, always in the newspapers, always showing up at local community events and indeed, this was something he continued to do because he loved it. He thoroughly enjoyed being involved not only in community life, but also the politics. He loved being in this council chamber, and he relished the cut and thrust of a political debate.

He worked hard on his committees at this council. He had previously Chaired the Learning & Culture Scrutiny committee, and did take a particular interest in education issues. More recently, he was our spokesperson on the Pensions Committee, and again, he always made an informed contribution to the discussions. He worked on Democracy & Organisation, Planning & Regulation committee always ensuring that he was well briefed in advance. Of course, others will remember working with him too both in the present council term and in the past.

He was a retired civil servant, and used to work for HM Customs & Excise in the remote parts of Scotland, and he had some interesting tales to tell about this. Equally, his family roots went back to Manchester, and he used to enjoy reminiscing with my son who recently finished university there, but he never missed an opportunity to catch up with recent news stories and making comparisons with the past.

But Wantage became the place where he settled and became the town he loved and fought for. He was president of Wantage Silver Band, and used to be very proud of this, accompanying them on many of their events around the area, always helping with their collections, and in fact again, I remember seeing him in Grove when they did their charity concert around the Christmas tree, and similarly in Wantage, right up to the end supporting the band. As founder Chair of the Wantage Summer Festival and involved with organising the Wantage Arts Festival, again, he worked tirelessly to ensure that these events brought prestige and visitors into the community, enjoying local arts and music groups, encouraging new talent. All local community and voluntary organisations, appreciated the support and enthusiasm that Jim gave them. When I think of 'pump-priming' - I always think of Jim, because this is something he passionately believed in.

Yes, he was part and parcel of life in Wantage and very proud of the town, and for that reason many of us will remember the times he spoke about the secondary school in Grove, the issues with King Alfred's, the infrastructure for the new housing development planned in Grove, in short, he battled to get the best for residents in our division, and this will not be forgotten. One of the main attributes which I shall miss was his ability to listen - Jim always had time to listen, and that was always appreciated, and if you asked his advice he was always supportive and forthcoming - he was a good sounding board for ideas and suggestions - and although one of his catch phrases was 'I am no expert' - I always felt this was an understatement for what in many cases he was certainly very much an expert in.

The funeral service which a number of us attended, had some fitting tributes to Jim and indeed, the music of the Wantage silver band was appreciated by all of us. I have visited his grave at the top of the hill above Wantage - a spot which I am sure he would approve of. I have no doubt he will continue to keep a watchful eye on the town. And he will be a hard act to follow! He will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathies must go to all his friends and family.