Celebrating Fran’s 50 years of service
News release issued:
Tributes have been paid to Wyre Forest’s longest-serving district councillor, Councillor Fran Oborski who has been celebrating fifty years of continuous service representing her local community.
Councillor Oborski was presented with flowers by the new Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council at its full meeting on Wednesday 15 May.
Chairman of the Council, Councillor John Byng, said:
“It is an astonishing feat for anyone to serve continuously for 50 years on one council – Fran has not only achieved this outstanding milestone but also has diligently represented the same area of Kidderminster throughout. Fran is highly respected by all members of the Council, management and by her community. Her record is unlikely ever to be matched.”
Fran Oborski was successfully elected to Wyre Forest District Council in 1973. At the time the ward she represents was known as St. George’s. It is now Offmore and Comberton.
Over the years Councillor Fran Oborski has taken on many roles on the Council. During her fortieth year on Wyre Forest District Council (2013-2014) she was Chair of the Council. She has also been Deputy Leader and is currently vice chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Fran was a member of Worcestershire County Council for many years and has recently been re-elected to Kidderminster Town Council. In 2015 Fran was made MBE for “Public and Political Service” in Kidderminster and Wyre Forest.
During her time on Wyre Forest District Council, Fran has seen five Chief Executives and 19 different Leaders of the Council.
Councillor Fran Oborski said:
“I was actually elected in June 1973 as a shadow council, and we spent a year planning how we were going to run Wyre Forest and what we were going to do here. It has been an interesting time and although there have been political disagreements it has by and large been a very good natured council. It’s been a great privilege to represent my ward, and I continue to immensely enjoy my time as their councillor. "
The tributes can be viewed on the Council’s webcast at just after an hour into the recording.
During its 50th anniversary year Wyre Forest District Council is looking to residents to share their favourite memories or moments or thing about the Council. It could be an event, a photo or video, memories of working with the Council etc. Emails can be sent to socialmedia@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Submissions should include a few lines about what the picture/video shows and when it was taken.