MP Oliver Heald, club member Steve Shaddick, family friend Pam Garrod and Mr Barrand's nephew Robin Tomlinson

A COMMEMORATIVE plaque has been unveiled in memory of a Conservative club president.

A plaque has been unveiled in memory of Basil Barrand

Members and guests of the Letchworth Garden City Conservative Club gathered for a ceremony to honour Basil Barrand, who was president from 2005 until last year, when he died. Mr Barrand was also the membership secretary for more than 30 years after joining the club in February 1976.

North East Herts MP Oliver Heald made a speech as part of the occasion, which was attended by some of Mr Barrand’s relatives.

Mr Heald said: “I have often enjoyed talking to Basil over many years and he was good company. He had a fantastic memory for people and faces and was a very popular character. I am delighted to unveil this plaque to his memory.”

Club member Cliff Brown added: “All our club members all will deeply miss Basil, a true gentleman, a colleague, friend, a person who always seemed happy and contented and a person who was always happy to help others in any way he could. We lose a truly outstanding person who has enriched our lives.”

Eric Fitton has now taken on the club president role while Michael Paterson, a former councillor for North Herts District Council, is the new membership secretary.