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Peterborough honours Charles Swift, thought to be UK’s longest serving councillor
In 1985 Charles Swift was awarded an OBE for services to public
A lasting memorial to the man believed to be the country’s longest-serving councillor was celebrated today in Peterborough. Peterborough City Council earlier this year agreed to re-name the square adjacent to Sand Martin House after former councillor and city mayor Charles Swift OBE.
And today a memorial plaque dedicated to Mr Swift, who passed away in August 2022 aged 92, was installed there.
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
Councillor Marco Cereste, the Mayor of Peterborough, said: “I’m delighted that the incredible legacy of Charles Swift will live on in Peterborough with this special memorial.
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
“We have been thinking about ways of honouring Charles for some time and feel that this will serve as a fitting tribute for his unique achievements, which our council is proud to be associated with.”
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
Charles Swift was elected to the North Ward on 1 July 1954, becoming the youngest ever member of the city council at the age of 23.
He served residents there until 2016 when he retired after 62 years’ service and was believed to be the longest serving city councillor in the Country. Charles led the Council, as well as being Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the City.
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
Charles also played a key role in the biggest development period of the city in the 1960’s. In 1985 he was awarded an OBE for services to public and he also received the Freedom of the City for Peterborough.
He stood down from the council in 2016 after serving for 62 years.
A plaque to commemorate Charles Swift after a square was named in his honour was unveiled today by his widow Brenda.
Brenda was joined by close family and friends and many councillors Including the Mayor Marco Cereste who hosted the event.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
Charles Swift Square, Peterborough Thursday 27 June 2024. Picture by Terry Harris.
At today’s ceremony Charles’ widow Brenda Swift unveiled the commemorative plaque and there were speeches from Mayor Cereste and members of Charles’ family.
