Thank you to top citizen (From Witney Gazette)

Thank you to top citizen

2:43pm Tuesday 22nd January 2008 in Witney By David Horne

A MAN with a passion for fairgrounds and a key organiser of Witney Feast has been recognised for his services to the town.

Pensioner Ted Miles is to receive the mayor's Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award for 2007-8.

He will be honoured, along with others yet to be named who will receive certificates of outstanding merit, at a civic reception in March.

Mr Miles, of Corn Street, Witney, says he is 'bowled over' by the award. but, when he receives it, will place it with pride on his mantelpiece.

"I am a proper Witney-ite, born and bred here, and this is a real honour.

"To be truthful, I can't believe it, I was really surprised," he said.

He has been involved with the annual Witney Feast since 1964, taking over the organisation of the fairground service, which has been featured on BBC's Songs of Praise TV programme, after the death of the late Geoffrey Cantwell.

Mayor, Chrissie Curry, said: "He has been part of Witney life for years."

The town council revived the honour last year, when there were joint awards given to former mayor and POW campaigner, Arthur Titherington, and ex-town clerk, Judy White.

Ms Currie added: "It marks outstanding service to the community life of the town, unusung heroes if you like.

"I think it is appropriate we recognise people who contribute to the spirit of Witney."

The mayor chooses the winner of the award after nominations have been sent to the town council.

Mr Miles, now 82, served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and used to work as a plumber and pipefitter for Henry Long ironmongers, in the town's High Street.

After it closed, he went to work for the former Early's blanket company in the mill stores, and finally as a local handyman for the county council.

He is a keen member of the Witney Model and Collectors Club, and makes miniature working models, using electricity, of fairground machines.

Mr Miles, who has been married to his wife, Pamela, for 56 years, said: "I have been interested in the fairs since I was a kid.

"I looked forward to them coming every year to Witney. The service is part of what makes the Feast so special, with the galloping horses carousel and the punch card hymns, which have to go into the old fairground organ."