“Nobody has done more for this village than Roy Fisher.”
These were the words of Greystoke Parish Council chairman Adam Day as Roy was presented with the ceremonial honour of being made an Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Greystoke.
The presentation was made in recognition of Roy’s long service on a host of village organisations — including 44 years on the parish council — 18 as chairman.
Roy also served as chair of the village hall committee for decades, with 34 years as chairman and 10 as vice-chairman.
He was made an honorary life member of the village hall when he stood down as chairman.
He joined the swimming pool committee some 54 years ago as assistant secretary, then after it opened took on the jo of secretary which he held for 15 years, followed by two years as chairman.
When he left the committee he was again made an honorary life member, but typically of Roy, continued to look after the car park for a further 18 years.
Roy was the secretary and treasurer of the Greystoke charity caravan which sold refreshments at the Upper Eden car racing at Bank Moor — also serving as chairman of that organisation for five years, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
In his scant free time, Roy found the energy to serve as a governor at Greystoke School for nine years, seeing six of his grandchildren go on to become pupils there.
With his commitment knowing no bounds, Roy served as chairman of the Greystoke sports committee for 21 years after it was formed in the late Queen’s jubilee year and a bonfire and fireworks were held in the grounds of Greystoke Castle.
He was also chairman of Greystoke arthritis committee, whcih ran for 11 years, again raising thousands of pounds for this cause.
He has also served on the church committee and been a loyal member of its choir for around 30 years.
Truly community-minded, Roy also served on Eden District Council for 14 years, being chairman in 2004.
He is a founder member and still chairman of the Ullswater Darts League, which was formed some 44 years ago.
Over decades, and with the help of other committee members and friends, Roy has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the various village organisations and the surrounding area.
Always present and supporting Roy in all his work has been his wife Edith, with the couple celebrating their diamond anniversary last year.
This week he described his partnership with Edith as “I looked after the village while Edith looked after the family.”
Roy said he could not have done what he did without Edith’s support, adding “She is one in a million and the love of my life.”
Speaking about Roy’s outstanding role as a citizen of Greystoke, Adam said: “Roy is irreplaceable. He has been a fulcrum of this village for many, many years and the amount of work he has taken upon himself will not be surpassed.
“The decision of the parish council to award Roy this honour was unanimous. We wanted to recognise the work he has done for decades to support the communities within Greystoke parish.”
