28/07/2026
End of an Era
They say all good things must come to an end, and last night's July Parish Council meeting marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in Finstock's history.
After an incredible 57 years of dedicated service, our Parish Clerk, June Pratley – or simply Mrs Pratley, as generations of Finstockonians have known her – attended her final Parish Council meeting before retiring in August.
For many of us, June has always been part of village life. My earliest memory of her, as a young boy at Finstock Primary School, is of her playing the piano at school assemblies and in church. Years later, I came to know her in her role as our Parish Clerk. In fact, June was Parish Clerk before I was even born, which says everything about the remarkable commitment she has shown to our community.
For almost six decades, June has been the steady hand at the heart of the Parish Council. Through changing times, changing councillors and countless challenges, she has always been there with her wisdom, professionalism and quiet determination. Her knowledge of Finstock, its history, its people and its affairs is simply unrivalled. It is often said that if June didn't know the answer, it probably wasn't worth knowing.
Last night it was a privilege to see June receive the Finstock Community Award in recognition of her lifetime of service to our village. She was also presented with the Parish Council's Long Service Award – both thoroughly deserved honours for someone who has given so much of her life to serving others.
June is pictured with Mr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, and Parish Council Chairman, Mr Marc Thompson.
On behalf of the Parish Council, and I'm sure the whole village, thank you, June. Your dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit Finstock for generations to come. You have been the heart and soul of our Parish Council, and your shoes will be impossible to fill.
We wish you a long, happy and well-deserved retirement. Thank you for everything you have done for our wonderful village. You will always be a very special part of Finstock's story.
