Long-serving councillor honoured with town plaque

Alan Gardiner served the Dearne area for almost 35 years

A memorial has been unveiled in memory of a former councillor to honour his three decades of public service.

Councillor Alan Gardiner, who died aged 72 in 2022, had represented Barnsley's Dearne area following his election to Barnsley Council in 1988.

A commemorative stone engraved with the late councillor’s name was installed at the Horse and Groom Square in Goldthorpe, where he met his wife, Janet.

“Alan was my hero and an amazing man," Mrs Gardiner said.

Described by his wife as a "Barnsley lad through-and-through", Mr Gardiner had served his community for almost 35 years.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of the council, said Mr Gardiner was an "outstanding servant".

“He served with great passion, commitment, and honesty; and was in no small way responsible for Barnsley being the successful organisation that it is.

“His passing was a huge loss to his family, friends, Barnsley Council and the Dearne.

“It is only fitting that he will be permanently remembered with this tribute at the heart of the community he served so passionately for more than 30 years.”

The plaque was unveiled last week

The site was selected as it was where the former Horse and Groom public house stood, with Mr Gardiner and his wife going dancing together there, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“I wanted a special place in Goldthorpe, where we met and happily courted inside the Horse and Groom, sitting in the bar together for many nights happily watching the world go by," Mrs Gardiner added.

Mrs Gardiner donated the proceeds of a funeral collection to Goldthorpe Development Group and the Rainbow Community Centre in Thurnscoe.

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