Harold Article

A special memorial bench to a community stalwart has been unveiled  in Oldbury.

Harold Short, who was a founder member of Agewell, died in December 2006.

He dedicated much of his life working tirelessly for his local community where he devoted many hours to helping people.

A special service, attended by his wife and family, was held outside Sandwell Council House in Freeth Street, Oldbury, today(WED) attended by the Mayor Cllr Gurcharan Singh Sidhu and local dignitaries.

The bench carries a plaque with the words "A good citizen of the borough - a friend to all".

Known as H to most people, Mr Short, who was 81, was a pillar of the local community and founder member of Agewell.

He was known to many staff in Adult Services and Heath for his work with the council and the Primary Care Trust over the years.

He made a major contribution to improving access to transport for older people in the borough.

As chair of Agewell, Mr Short  helped the organisation to grow and when he finally resigned due to ill health, he was still very active.

He was presented with the McCartney Stone award for his services to the community.

Cabinet member  for adult services and health Cllr Darren Cooper said: "Harold Short was an outstanding gentleman and community stalwart.

"He devoted his life to helping to improve services to older people. He worked at the cutting edge that led to the formation and development of Agewell. He was a wonderful man."