Witney thanks former mayor (From Witney Gazette)

Witney thanks former mayor

2:55pm Friday 10th November 2006 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

FORMER Witney mayor Arthur Titherington, who has 'spent his lifetime working for the good of others', has been given an award for his contribution to the town.

The town council gave Mr Titherington, 85, a former Japanese prisoner of war, an Honourable Citizen of Witney award.

He was given the award along with Judy White, who worked for the town council for more than 30 years.

Mayor, Chrissie Curry, said: "Arthur has been unbelievable in the community all his life.

"He has been mayor twice, and has constantly worked for the good of the community.

"He has spent his life working for the good of others.

"He has spent his life working for the good of others."

Witney mayor Chrissie Curry

"He has done a huge amount for Witney, and deserves to be recognised."

Mr Titherington, of Church Green, Witney, is chairman of the Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association. He has spent the years since the end of the Second World War trying to win compensation and an apology from the Japanese government.

He was beaten and starved for three-and-a-half years, after being taken to the Kinkaseki slave labour mine, in Taiwan.

When finally freed, he weighed five-and-a-half stone, and was one of just 90 prisoners out of 522 left alive.

Mr Titherington, apart from being town mayor, also represented Witney on West Oxfordshire District Council for many years.

He said: "I was very, very, very pleased and surprised to get the award. It was very good. I'm pleased to say that whatever happens, I have left my mark in Witney somewhere."

Witney Town Council is to launch a new award scheme, called the Witney Civic Pride awards. People will be able to nominate those who have helped in the community, and there will be an award for the Witney business which has contributed the most, and one for children.

For more information, contact the town council, on 01993 702941.