Unsung local heroes from Yeadon and Horsforth meet Prime Minister (From Wharfedale Observer)

Unsung local heroes from Yeadon and Horsforth meet Prime Minister

7:00am Friday 5th February 2010

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Two men who have worked for their local communities had their efforts recognised with an invitation to Downing Street.

Doug Jones, who fought off a development on Yeadon greenbelt, and Geoff Poad, chairman of Horsforth Village Historical Society, attended a reception at Number 10 to celebrate the work of unsung local heroes.

The two men, who were put forward for the accolade by their MP Paul Truswell, met Prime Minister Gordon Brown during their visit.

Jamie Hanley, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candi-date for Pudsey, who also travelled down to London for the event, said: “It’s so important that we take time to thank and applaud those people who work tirelessly to support and improve our communities.

“I can’t sing Geoff and Doug’s praises enough and it was an honour to attend the reception with them.”

Doug Jones is chairman of the committee which fought off the development on Yeadon greenbelt land by getting it registered as a village green. The developers are appealing the decision but Doug, who worked on the campaign while nursing his terminally ill wife, continues to fight on.

“I’ve always desired to go to Downing Street,” said Doug.

“It was quite an experience. I was very pleased.

“It was a long day, as I’m not very mobile. But it was very enjoyable. I met Mr Brown and found him a very warm and friendly man.”

Geoff Poad has been chairman of Horsforth Village Historical Society, which is run entirely by volunteers, for about seven years. He said: “I had quite a conversation with Paul Truswell, Jamie Hanley and Doug.

“And we met Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling’s wife.

“The Prime Minister was very friendly. He thanked us for the work we’re all doing in the community.” The reception tied in well with another event for Geoff as he was able to visit his newly-born granddaughter, who was born in London just a few days earlier.

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