Fond memories of Banbury macebearer
Don Trafford. Picture courtesy of Tudor Photography
Don Trafford, Sergeant at Arms and macebearer for many Banbury town mayors, has died aged 82.
Mr Trafford acted as chauffeur to the mayors on countless official engagements, helping new incumbents adjust to the protocols of the role of representing the people of Banbury.
He drove them to and from appointments in the mayoral car and was never far away during the proceedings. As a result of the wide variety of events the mayors were invited to each year, he met business people, council officials and residents from all over the district.
Banbury Town Mayor 1982-82, Margaret Ferriman, said revisiting the schedule of the year’s work reminded her how hard the Mayor and Mr Trafford worked together as a team.
“Don understood the need for dignity, ceremonial and show,” she said.
Mr Trafford came to Banbury after a number of years working at Oxford Town Hall where he became involved in civic events organisation, supporting the city’s mayor.
He was a hackney carriage inspector and superintendant of buildings, including Woodgreen Hall and Banbury Town Hall, for Cherwell District Council following local government reorganisation and the abolition of Banbury Borough Council in 1974.
He was an invaluable support to all of the town mayors during the years the office was administered by the Banbury Charter Trustees. They included Angela Billingham, now Baroness Billingham of Banbury. He took Cllr Fred Blackwell to engagements at Buckingham Palace twice.
Mr Trafford, who was married to Mary, retired when Banbury Town Council was reinstated in 2000.
A number of former town mayors will attend his funeral at Banbury Crematorium today (Thursday) at 2pm.
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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