Tributes have been paid to a former Calverley and Farsley councillor, Honorary Alderman Rod Wood, who passed away yesterday.
Mr Wood was first elected a ward member in Calverley and Farsley in 2010, succeeding Frank Robinson. He remained a councillor until 2018.
Leader of the Conservative Group on Leeds City Council, Cllr Andrew Carter (Calverley & Farsley) paid tribute to Mr Wood, who was made an Honorary Alderman of Leeds in 2018. Cllr Carter said:
“It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of my close friend and former council colleague in Calverley and Farsley, Honorary Alderman Rod Wood.
“Rod and I have been friends for many years, and long before he became a councillor. He was instrumental in driving forward the project to create Calverley Millennium Way, which in fact goes into Rodley and Farsley as well. Thousands of people have enjoyed this country walk and thousands of pounds have been raised through sponsored walks for local charities. This project simply wouldn’t have been delivered – 19 years ago now – without Rod’s dedication and determination.
“He was a much valued colleague on Leeds City Council and he and I worked on many local projects together. Again he was instrumental in the construction of the two War Memorials at Brookfield Country Park, dedicated to coincide with the centenary of the start of the First World War.
“He was committed to the local community and instrumental in many environmental projects, too numerous to mention here.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Lesley, his son and daughter, Tim and Cate, and his grandchildren at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed, not least by me.”
Mr Wood was instrumental in organising the Aston Martin Day in Farsley and organisers hope to continue the event this September.
He also arranged for the “Aston Martin stone” to be placed at the bottom of West Royd Park, which was the site of The Aston Martin Factory.
The Farsley Stone at the junction of the Ring Road and Calverley was his idea, as was the drystone seat and lamp in Andrew Square. He also worked tirelessly to help organise the annual Farsley Lights Switch On.
Tributes were also paid by his constituents, who posted their condolences on facebook.
One commenter said: “Really sorry to hear this sad news. Such a lovely gentleman and passionate about his community. A real loss.”
Another added: “Very sad news, only saw him a few weeks ago, one of my dad’s Round Table friends. RIP Woody.”