Bill Consterdine

Earlier this year, Bill retired from the Parish Council after 40 years service and 2018 also marks the Golden Wedding of Bill and his wife Rose and 50 years as an Audlem Resident so now is clearly a suitable time to celebrate Bill's significant contributions to the life and times of this village and it's residents.

Much of the information in this article was collected from a conversation with Bill in the Lord Combermere one evening, a conversation frequently punctuated by friends and acquaintances wanting to greet him and shake his hand. Bill is self evidently very well known and popular and a casual look at his involvement in so many of the groups and organisations in the village demonstrates why he is such a well known face.

First, the personal stuff. Bill and his new wife Rose moved from Crewe into a new house in Tollgate Drive the same day man first walked on the moon. Never slow to recognise a business opportunity, Bill acted as selling agent for the new builds for a couple of years. His uncle was landlord at the Crown Hotel in the village. He and Rose later moved to Broadways for what they originally saw as a short term move but are still there. They have 2 daughters Alexandra and Victoria, who both live locally, and 3 grandchildren so grandchild sitting is a time consuming (but thoroughly enjoyable) activity!

Professionly, Bill was Head of Physical Education at what was then a boys Secondary Modern School in Nantwich and Rose taught Music and Art at the equivalent girls school. Since then, both schools have merged to become the co-educational Brine Leas School. Bill was sent to Carnegie College in Leeds for a year to gain further qualifications in 71/72 and in his words, quoting the college, "to polish a diamond"! He organised many local sports events in the village and retains an active interest and involvement in Athletics. He is a recipient of the Ron Pickering Medal for Services to Athletics.

Bill has always enjoyed a convivial drink and in his early years in the village frequented the Bridge (the most popular and best pub in the village at the time he says). Discussions about righting the wrongs of life in Audlem gave him the idea to stand for election to the Parish Council, a prime example of the "put up or shut up" strategy. Bill describes himself as a "vociferous member of the Council", a point of view most probably shared by his fellow councillors!

Over his 40 year involvement, Bill has served 2 terms as Chairman and 2 as Vice Chairman. The projects he has championed are legion and include re-cycling, pooper scoopers, street lighting and the refurbishment of the public toilets. He was a Governor at the Primary School for 25 years, has been a member of ADAS, ASET and ADCA and Chairman of the Audlem Educational Foundation. With his friend Mike Hill, he pioneered what is now the very popular annual Transport Festival with a celebration in 2004 of 100 years of Rolls Royce attended by 100 Rollers and Bentleys. He was also Vice President of the Nantwich Show for about 30 years. There can be few residents in any community who can boast a public service record to match Bill's.

To some though, the best known asset of Bill will be his voice as it is heard from a loudspeaker of a public address system at a village event. Bill provides the commentary for many such events both locally and further afield including for example the carol numbers to be sung at the Buttercross at Christmas for the community carol singing accompanied by a brass band. His father's business was providing a public address system and Bill helped from an early age specialising in transport related events. Ask him what his proudest commentary is and he will tell you it was at the Nantwich Show describing a side saddle dressage event, supported he admits by an expert whispering in his right ear! He will also relate tales of drunken celebrities he has banned from his microphone, one of whom returned sober the following year asking to be allowed to participate. Once a school teacher ........

Bill, enjoy your well earned retirement from village politics!!

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