TWO significant things happened in the world of politics on 4 May 1979.
Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman Prime Minister. And Bernard Dawson was first elected as a councillor in Hyndburn.
Maggie has long since faded from the political scene but Bernard, a former Mayor, is still going strong.
And 30 years after those election victories, the Peel ward councillor is taking stock of all that has happened over the last three decades.
The stalwart Labour member said: "I was never a big fan of Mrs Thatcher. Of course she has done a bit more than I have but I’ve enjoyed my work a great deal."
Councillor Dawson said he originally planned to stand for just one term but he couldn’t resist the opportunity to do more community work through the council.
He lost his seat once in the late 80s but was re-elected a year later.
Over the years he has seen Hyndburn Council move from its "cardboard castle’’ offices in Paradise Street, where the health centre now stands, to Eagle Street near the railway station and finally to its current premises on Scaitcliffe Street.
He has also seen scores of councillors come and go and various changes in party leadership but admitted he could not single out one memory to sum up his career.
He added: "I have always enjoyed my work and got on with most of the people involved with the council. The time has gone very fast but I am not planning on stopping now."
Councillor Colette McCormack said: "Councillor Dawson is a rarity to still be serving on the council after all these years. I know a lot of people have appreciated his work."
