Tributes paid to a "much missed" former Mayor of Swindon
Derek Benfield has been remembered as a "role model for putting your community first. "
Former colleagues of Derek Benfield have paid tribute to the councillor and ex-Mayor of Swindon who has died aged 89.
Mr Benfield was a very long-serving member of Covingham Parish Council, since 1988 and was a Labour borough councillor for Covingham and then Covingham & Nythe from 1992 to 2004.
His last year as a borough councillor was spent as the Mayor of Swindon.
Leader of the council David Renard said: “I was elected a few years before his year as Mayor, and it was an interesting time as the council was split down the middle, so he had to chair some pretty difficult meetings as mayor.
He had the authority and respect to be able to do that successfully.
“He was a great advocate for Swindon and I used to see Derek after he left the council at Swindon Town games.
He was very active in the community until very recently and I was very sorry to hear of his death.”
Labour councillor Kevin Small knew Mr Benfield well and considered him a friend. He said: “We were sometimes political rivals, but Ben and I were friends, yes.
“I took over from him as deputy leader of the group when he became Mayor. I think the main thing I’ll remember is his loyalty to the group and his fellow councillors and his determination to support us.
“He had been my father’s deputy on the public works committee and my dad had a very high regard for him as well.”
Coun Small added: “He always had a smile on his face and a joke or funny story to tell and he loved and knew his football. He always stood up for Covingham as well, and I think he’ll be very sadly missed.”
Councillor Kevin Parry, another councillor for Covingham who has also been Mayor said: “Derek was a very friendly man and a very witty, I have very good memories of him.
“I didn’t know him as a borough councillor, but I knew him well as a parish councillor in Covingham.
He did a lot for the area; he was very active on the council.
“One of the last things he did was get the Memorial stone and tree put in to Covingham Park as a place for those who have lost a loved one can go and lay flowers and remember them.”
Coun Parry added: “Derek was a warded the Freedom of the Parish of Covingham last year – I think he was the first person ever to receive it.
"He was a great character. He’ll be very much missed.
Councillor Dale Heenan replaced Mr Benfield as the borough ward councillor for Covingham and Nythe in 2004 but said they got on well despite their political differences: “Derek was an active member of the local community who was always ready to help and could regularly be seen around Covingham tending to the plant boxes.
“In public meetings you could see he just couldn’t resist trying to spar; we both enjoyed it, and his grin afterwards was a sight. That’s the Derek I imagine my colleagues will remember
“We always got on privately and grew to respect each other."
"He was a role model for putting your community first. "
"Derek loved Swindon Town Football Club, painting and I seem to remember he did some great animal wood carvings. Derek will be missed by many, and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time”
Val Curtis, the chairman of Covingham parish Council, where Mr Benfield served for more than three decades said: Derek was a stalwart of Covingham Parish Council having served as a Parish Councillor for over 30 years; a milestone that was recognised in May 2021 when he was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of Covingham.
“I was both honoured and humbled to be able to present the scroll to him. He has left a legacy that will live on for many years to come. He was a true gent and a friend to many and will live on in people’s memories as one of the defining characters in Swindon’s recent history.
Mr Belfield’s wife of more than 60 years Pam died in 2015. The couple had three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.