Reports from our County Councillors #160
Pauline.Davidson@northumberland.gov.uk 07889143980
In this edition we feature Cllr Pauline Davidson’s tribute to her colleague and fellow Amble councillor Arty Hume who died at the end of July, aged 71. At time of writing a by-election has been called which will take place after we go to print.
*Update: The by-election for the Amble ward was won by Amy Spriggs for Labour*
A tribute to Councillor Arty Hume
By now, most people will have heard the heart-breaking
news that Cllr Arty Hume passed away recently. No words can ever seem enough when someone like Arty is lost. Writing these words is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
Arty wasn’t just an outstanding Councillor, he was one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and conscientious people I have ever had the privilege to know. No matter how busy he was or how long his day had been, he never stopped.
If a resident needed help, Arty was there. If there was a problem to solve, he used all his determination to try and solve it. He genuinely cared, and that is something that cannot be taught.
One of the many things I admired most about him, was the satisfaction he took from helping others. He was proud when a resident’s problem had finally been solved and he had genuinely improved someone’s life.
Those moments meant everything to him. I remember the day when a resident and her children were unable to get out of her house safely because of an encroaching prickly hedge on the garden path, extending outside to the pavement. Aware that NCC would be unable to help, Arty, armed with his hedge cutter, marched down, and trimmed the hedge, much to the delight of the resident. That was the measure of the man.
Behind the public role was a devoted family man. Michele, his wife, was the apple of his eye. Adam, his son, of whom he was immensely proud, and his two adorable cats all brought him great happiness. He always spoke about them with such affection, they were the centre of his life.
Arty leaves behind an enormous legacy. His commitment to our communities, his unwavering integrity, his kindness, and his tireless work ethic have made a lasting difference to countless people.
For me, I have lost not only an exceptional colleague but a true friend. It was an honour to stand beside him and to share the same goals of serving our communities to the best of our abilities. He will never be forgotten. A true trail blazer!
Councillor Pauline Davidson
