Fifty not out for Peter at the council

Harold McMillan was Prime Minister, John F Kennedy was US President and a group called The Beatles were hoping for their big break.

1962 also saw Peter Burton join Rochdale Council to start a career that has now lasted five decades.

Peter, who lives in Middleton with his wife Rosemary, spent much of his time at the council as a manager in the housing department.

He has also played an important part in the democratic process by working as a counter on election nights and by acting as a canvasser to deliver electoral registration forms and assist residents in completing them. This latter role is one he is still carrying out despite having officially retired from the council.

“Working at the council has given me some wonderful memories and I can’t believe it’s been 50 years,” Peter said.

To mark the milestone, he was presented with a framed certificate by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside.

The Mayor said: “This is a wonderful achievement and I would like to thank Peter for the outstanding quality of his work and his outstanding length of service.”