Mr Hitchin Town Terry Barratt is set to become the club s longest serving chairman in 2007. Barratt (pictured right), who took over in the Top Field hotseat in April 1991, should surpass the record held by the late Ken Griffin, who was chairman between

'Mr Hitchin Town' Terry Barratt is set to become the club's longest serving chairman in 2007.

Barratt (pictured right), who took over in the Top Field hotseat in April 1991, should surpass the record held by the late Ken Griffin, who was chairman between 1952 and 1968.

Since holding the position, Barratt has also served on the management committees of both the Isthmian and Southern leagues. He is a current member of the Southern League board.

When he took office at Hitchin in 1991, the club was going through a hard time, but he was willing to take the job on, something which managing director Andy Melvin has always appreciated.

"Terry has been something of a rock for this club," said Melvin.

"He represents stability, commitment and he is seen very much as a calming influence."

Melvin added that Barratt's willingness to turn his hand to most aspects of running the club has proved invaluable.

"Nobody can ever accuse Terry of not being prepared to get his hands dirty - I have seen him rolling the pitch, painting, serving in the tea hut, directing traffic and working on Sundays at the car boot sales.

"Not many chairmen would be prepared to do that."

Melvin, who has worked for more than 15 years to gain permission to attain top-class facilities for Hitchin Town, would like to reward Barratt for his staunch service.

"I can think of no better way to recognise Terry's loyalty than seeing him as the chairman of a club with an excellent stadium playing at the highest level in non-league football."

Hitchin have had just 14 chairmen since the club's reformation in 1928.

One of the previous incumbents of the job, Gerald Lincoln, passed away on Monday, January 8.