Stand up and take a bow, Clr. Eric Feetham! For, after nearly half-a-century, the 91-year-old has retired from serving as a member of Narberth Town Council.

Affectionately known as ’Mr. Narberth’, he was given a rapturous round of applause at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting of the town council when it was announced he was not seeking re-election in next month’s elections after 49 years.

Described as an ‘encyclopedia of Narberth,’ by one of his council colleagues, Clr. Feetham is a retired businessman, having run the Spar Stores in High Street for over 30 years.

Clr. Feetham’s colourful local government career began in 1968 when he was co-opted onto Narberth Urban Council by the then chairman, the late Clr. Charles Salmon, after being nominated by the late Clr. S. I. P. Williams.

He went on to represent the urban council on the old Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee and became a member of South Pembrokeshire District Council in 1974 and was honoured to be chairman in 1984-85.

Clr. Feetham has donned the scarlet robes as Mayor of Narberth an amazing six times - 1978-79 and 1979-80, 1995-96, 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2006-07 - and on each occasion, his wife of over 50 years, Doris, has been at his side as Mayoress.

Clr. Feetham is a much-loved and respected character in the town, so it is not surprising that he has also dedicated his life to many community groups and organisations.

He was one of the founder members of Narberth Civic Week, a life president and former chairman of the Narberth in Bloom committee, and is a past chairman of the Queen’s Hall committee and life member. He is also a life member of Narberth Chamber of Trade and former member of Bloomfield Sports Association and Narberth Future Forum. He’s also still involved with the senior citizens group.

It’s no surprise then that he was awarded the coveted MBE in June 2005 for services to the community and was thrilled to visit Buckingham Palace and meet HM The Queen to receive his accolade.

Other awards for community service include the Paul Harris Fellowship awarded by Rotary and the Narberth People’s Award.

Born and brought up in Llawhaden, Clr. Feetham, said: “I have enjoyed my time on the town council very, very much and in 49 years, I have only missed two council meetings because of bereavement.

“I will miss the company of the members, but because I am now hard of hearing and suffering with my sight, I am not enjoying the meetings like I used to.”

Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Ruth Platt said: “You have been a marvellous councillor, but you have got a good woman behind you and I hope you will let us pick your brains if anytime we need help.

“You have been a very good ambassador for Narberth and I thank you for all you have done.”