Cllr Colin Osborne MBE celebrates 50 years in service at Sandy Town Council
Date Added: 22/10/2024
On 14th October 2024, Sandy Town Council marked exactly 50 years since Cllr Colin Osborne MBE joined the Council. A reception was held to honour this phenomenal achievement while recognising the unwavering support Colin has enjoyed from his dear wife, Diane, family, past councillors and officers, friends and well-wishers throughout his tenure.
Cllr Osborne was co-opted onto the Town Council on 14th October 1974 – about six months after the local government reorganisation which saw the demise of Sandy Urban District Council and the formation of Mid-Beds District Council. This eventually led to a new Sandy Town Council with reduced responsibilities. After successfully being elected by the people of Sandy in the elections of May 1978, Cllr Osborne was elected as Chairman of the Town Council – a position he held for three years. Over the years, he has been elected as Chairman/Mayor on six different occasions spanning a period of fourteen years. During his 50-year tenure, Cllr Osborne has had the pleasure of serving with more than eighty councillors – some for short periods but a number for more than twenty-five years – and with eight clerks.
An accountant by profession, Cllr Osborne has taken a keen interest in the Council’s finances and has chaired the Finance Committee on several occasions. His expertise in formulating affordable and achievable budgets has been of immense value to the council.
Upon celebrating his golden anniversary, Cllr Osborne highlighted that as Mayor, it had been a great privilege to join many of the activities that went on in the town. Seeing businesses, schools and voluntary groups in action was also quite heartwarming. He believes that although town councils have limited powers, councillors and residents still have the power to positively influence others to make the best decisions for Sandy.
It is no doubt that Cllr Osborne is loved and respected across Sandy and all of Bedfordshire for his dedication all these years. Sandy Town Council expresses a resounding congratulations to Cllr Osborne for being a shining example for our town.