Farewell to Parish Clerk
Published: March, 2023
We said a fond farewell to our Parish Clerk, Simon Potts, at a retirement event on Thursday 30 March at the council offices in Seaton Delaval.
Councillors and council staff were joined by members from organisations, community groups and residents who had worked with Simon to say goodbye.
Simon lives locally with his partner in Seaton Delaval and has worked in Local Government for most of his working career. He worked for Northumberland County Council and was a Chief Officer and Head of Financial Services at Blyth Valley Borough Council until it was abolished in 2009 with the creation of the Northumberland County Council unitary authority.
After leaving Blyth Valley Council, Simon worked in the Post Offices in Seaton Sluice and New Hartley before joining Seaton Valley Council as the Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer in June 2015.
Simon has been at the forefront at Seaton Valley Council through many changes in his time as the Clerk. This has included the installation of additional play parks in all the villages and the growth in the number of allotment sites available to residents. He was instrumental in negotiations to reinstate the X57 evening service and was part of the team that worked to keep post office services in Seaton Sluice and New Hartley.
His favourite time of year is undoubtedly our village Christmas lights switch-on events. Simon was always the first person to start singing Christmas carols and in the past few years, he has enjoyed dressing up as Rudolf to help entertain the children.
Simon is looking forward to spending more time walking his two dogs, tending to his allotment and playing more golf. Simon said, “I’ve had a great time as the Clerk at Seaton Valley Council, and I have really enjoyed the projects that the council has been involved in and working with so many wonderful people.”
Pictured above are Simon and Cllr. Susan Dungworth, Chair of the Council and Hartley Ward Councillor. Susan said, “I have known Simon for several years, and I have enjoyed working with him at the council. He will be sadly missed and on behalf of all the councillors I would like to wish him a long and happy retirement.”