Roger Newstead and David Pay appointed Aldermen for outstanding service to borough

Roger Newstead and David Pay were both honoured at an installation ceremony on Thursday 16 May for outstanding service to the borough and its residents.

Roger Newstead

Born in Ely in the Cambridgeshire Fens, Roger Newstead went to The King’s School before reading geography at the University of Reading. Roger and his wife Mary moved to the borough in 1968 and immediately got involved in grass roots politics. He became a local councillor representing the Reigate Hill Ward in 2001 and went on to serve as Mayor for a record three terms (2008–2009, 2017–2018, and 2012–2013). He also served as an Executive Member for eight years, holding the Local Economy portfolio for four. He is credited with leading the project to refurbish the Old Town Hall in Reigate and bringing it back into use from near dereliction at no cost to the taxpayer. He also led the project to pedestrianise the centre of Redhill. In 2009, he was given responsibility for Personnel and Organisation Change. He chaired the Employment Committee, recruited a new Chief Executive, and co-ordinated discussions with a number of other councils to see if savings could be achieved by sharing services. Mr Newstead also served on the Council’s Planning, Licensing and Standards Committees.  

Outside of the council, through their three children, Roger and Mary took an interest in education and both became school governors. Roger was a governor at Reigate School for 17 years, 15 of these as Chairman. He was also a governor at Reigate College and Reigate Grammar School. Since retiring, he has worked briefly as an administrator for St. John Ambulance and as a consultant in public relations and emergency planning, specifically in the electricity generating industry.

His recreational interests include sport, concerts, theatre, steam railways and family history. He enjoys cruising and following the activities of his six grandchildren.

David Pay

Having left school at the age of 15, Cllr Pay was apprenticed to his uncle as a clockmaker before taking a two-year break for national service duty with the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was first elected councillor for Redhill East in 2000 but went on to represent Redhill West. He served as a member of the Planning Committee, holding the position of vice-chairman for two terms and later chairman for two terms. He was also vice-chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and a sitting member of the Regulatory Committee.

Cllr Pay served as Mayor in 2006–2007, 2010–2011 and 2014-2015.

For ten years, Mr Pay served on the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, chairing it for two years. He is a Member of the British Horological Institute Examinations Board and the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA).

An ardent defender of the metropolitan Green Belt, David’s interests have always been focused around preserving both the natural and built environments. He suffers from Parkinson’s disease and has campaigned fervently to help fund research and raise awareness about the disease for which there is currently no cure. He is supported by his wife Barbara.

The title of Honorary Alderman is awarded to people who have given outstanding service to the borough as past members of the Council as a thanks for their dedication. The title enables them to attend civic events and ceremonies.

Following their award, David and Roger attended an installation ceremony organised by the Mayor’s office during which they were presented with a scroll and an Alderman badge.

Wonderful servants 

The Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Eddy Humphreys said: “Today, we honour two wonderful servants who have served this borough and its people exceptionally. It is a way for us to show appreciation for their contribution to making this borough a better place to live and work. We thank them and honour them for their great service.”

David Pay with Cllr Eddy Humphreys the Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead

Roger Newstand poses for a picture with the Mayor following his installation as an Alderman

Roger, David with members of their family. Alongside them are the Mayor, Leader of the Council, and council staff