Tribute paid to Honorary Alderman Noel Rippeth
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a former councillor who served the people of Gateshead for two decades. Councillor Noel Rippeth, who served as a Liberal Democrat councillor in a number of roles, including Leader of the Opposition, has sadly passed away aged 86.
First elected in 1992, Noel represented Crawcrook and Greenside until his retirement in 2012, and he was also Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group from 1994 to 2010. In recognition of his distinguished service to the borough, Noel was appointed an Honorary Alderman in December 2012, the highest honour the Council can bestow upon a former member.
Prior to being elected on to the council, Noel was a physics teacher at Greenwell Junior High, which became Lyndhurst School. He was also a Methodist local preacher for many years and played a leading role in several organisations in the Ryton area, including the Ryton Heritage Group.
Noel made a huge contribution throughout his time on the Council and held a number of key roles, including Chair of Scrutiny Panel Services C (2000 - 2002), Chair of Scrutiny Panel - Complaints (1999 - 2000), Vice Chair of Corporate Vitality OSC (2004 - 2005), Vice Chair of Quality, Democracy and Management OSC (2002 - 2004), Member of Executive Committee (1999 - 2002), and Member of Policy and Resources Committee (1994 - 1999).
Councillor Ron Beadle, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Gateshead Council, paid tribute to his long-time colleague and friend:
"Noel was a man of immense integrity who believed that politics was, first and foremost, about helping people. Whether he was standing up for Crawcrook and Greenside in the Council Chamber or helping a student at the college, he did so with a quiet wisdom and a wonderful sense of humour.
He and his wife, Ione, a fellow former councillor, were a formidable team. Their joint commitment to local residents remains a benchmark for community politics in Gateshead. Noel didn't just represent his community; he lived and breathed it. We have lost a true gentleman and a giant of local public service.
Our sincerest condolences go to Noel's family. We are keeping them firmly in our thoughts at this very sad time."
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, added:
Noel dedicated twenty years of his life to the service of others. While we sat on opposite sides of the Chamber, there was never any doubt about his commitment to the people of Gateshead.
He navigated his roles, including his time as Leader of the Opposition, with a professionalism and a sense of duty that earned him the respect of everyone in this Council. His legacy will be felt for years to come."
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a former councillor who served the people of Gateshead for two decades. Councillor Noel Rippeth, who served as a Liberal Democrat councillor in a number of roles, including Leader of the Opposition, has sadly passed away aged 86.
First elected in 1992, Noel represented Crawcrook and Greenside until his retirement in 2012, and he was also Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group from 1994 to 2010. In recognition of his distinguished service to the borough, Noel was appointed an Honorary Alderman in December 2012, the highest honour the Council can bestow upon a former member.
Prior to being elected on to the council, Noel was a physics teacher at Greenwell Junior High, which became Lyndhurst School. He was also a Methodist local preacher for many years and played a leading role in several organisations in the Ryton area, including the Ryton Heritage Group.
Noel made a huge contribution throughout his time on the Council and held a number of key roles, including Chair of Scrutiny Panel Services C (2000 - 2002), Chair of Scrutiny Panel - Complaints (1999 - 2000), Vice Chair of Corporate Vitality OSC (2004 - 2005), Vice Chair of Quality, Democracy and Management OSC (2002 - 2004), Member of Executive Committee (1999 - 2002), and Member of Policy and Resources Committee (1994 - 1999).
Councillor Ron Beadle, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Gateshead Council, paid tribute to his long-time colleague and friend:
"Noel was a man of immense integrity who believed that politics was, first and foremost, about helping people. Whether he was standing up for Crawcrook and Greenside in the Council Chamber or helping a student at the college, he did so with a quiet wisdom and a wonderful sense of humour.
He and his wife, Ione, a fellow former councillor, were a formidable team. Their joint commitment to local residents remains a benchmark for community politics in Gateshead. Noel didn't just represent his community; he lived and breathed it. We have lost a true gentleman and a giant of local public service.
Our sincerest condolences go to Noel's family. We are keeping them firmly in our thoughts at this very sad time."
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, added:
Noel dedicated twenty years of his life to the service of others. While we sat on opposite sides of the Chamber, there was never any doubt about his commitment to the people of Gateshead.
He navigated his roles, including his time as Leader of the Opposition, with a professionalism and a sense of duty that earned him the respect of everyone in this Council. His legacy will be felt for years to come."
