Following the recent death of former councillor Ralph Hughes, Councillor Mel Nott, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Chief Executive Jo Farrar and Councillor Cheryl Green have issued a statement on behalf of the authority.
Born in 1949, Ralph lived with his wife, Mary, in the Ogmore Valley community of Nantymoel. A former clerk with the National Coal Board, he later became a qualified driving instructor. In 1995, Ralph stood for election as a county borough councillor. He represented the ward of Nantymoel until 2008.
As part of the Rainbow Alliance administration, Ralph served as a Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing under the leadership of Councillor Cheryl Green.
Councillor Green said: “It was a privilege to work with a person of such integrity as Ralph.
“He possessed great dedication and was driven by a strong sense of social responsibility. Ralph really wanted to help improve the lives of local people.
“His intelligence, people skills and wonderful sense of humour will ensure that he will be remembered with great respect and affection.
“I will personally always be grateful for his support and loyalty, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and friends.”
Councillor Nott said: “I think I speak on behalf of all at Bridgend County Borough Council when I say that we are greatly saddened to have learned of the death of Ralph Hughes.
“As both a community and county borough councillor, Ralph gave many years of service to the people of Nantymoel. He demonstrated great commitment to his role as Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing.
“Our thoughts now are with Ralph’s wife Mary, his daughters, family and friends. We would like to extend to them our condolences at this very sad time.”
Chief Executive Jo Farrar said: “Ralph was greatly respected by the officers of Bridgend County Borough Council, many of whom worked closely alongside him in his capacity as a cabinet member, a ward member and as an older person’s champion.
“Our thoughts are with his wife, Mary, and his family.”
