A heartfelt tribute to an ex-Stokenchurch Parish Councillor has described the local politician as a ‘true stalwart’.

Councillor Malcom Penny, passed away of a sudden heart attack in January this year at the age of 85.

He had been part of the village’s parish council since May 2004, and despite retiring from the council in 2018, he was persuaded to stand in the 2021 local elections to showcase his ‘experience and wisdom’.

Mr Penny was known in the area to forge ‘strong working relationships with the public, suppliers and colleagues.’

He was also known to help the council return to ‘full competency’ after several years of uncertainty.

Taking to the Stokenchurch Parish Council Facebook page, Cllr Andrew Preece said: “Malcolm was a real dynamo, and although on paper he was one of eleven councillors, it felt like he was half of the heavy lifting in establishing the new council.

“Malcolm originally thought he would stay retired before the election, but once I pointed out HM The Queen was Head of State in her nineties and Churchill was Prime Minister in his 80s – then the least he could do was step back into the breach once more.

Bucks Free Press: Malcolm Penny died at the age of 85 in January this yearMalcolm Penny died at the age of 85 in January this year (Image: NA)

“At this point, Malcolm relented and agreed to stand in the election.

“Fast forward three years and the council has never been in a better place and so much of this is due to Malcolm rolling up his sleeves and working tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve so much.

"He was one of those rarest of men with presence and gravitas.”

Malcolm was born in Northern Ireland but raised in Scotland before joining the Metropolitan Police aged 18 in 1956.

He transferred to Buckinghamshire in 1961 and joined the Traffic Division four years later, where he achieved promotion to Sergeant in 1972.

He latterly served at Marlow, Taplow and Amersham before retiring in 1987.

Malcolm subsequently worked for Driver Training for the Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents and was fortunate enough to work in Taiwan, Kuwait, Rome, Tunisia, France, Ireland and across the UK for them.

A move to Stokenchurch followed in the late 1990s/early 2000s which he would be a member of until his passing this year.

Cllr Vicki Nuthall, Chairman of the Council, added: “Malcolm was a caring and much-loved family man, as well as being a highly valued colleague.

“He loved all the Parish Council events and the good-natured banter and camaraderie that went with being part of our team.

“He was someone who always had a smile on his face, and he was that rare thing, an excellent and loyal friend.

“Those of us who were lucky enough to have known him will never forget him, and those who were closest to him are still constantly in our thoughts.”

“He had many humorous sayings, one of which was ‘Moving On ‘ any time a subject went on a bit too long. Malcolm was an unsung hero of the village and did so much behind the scenes.

“He will be deeply missed by the village and his colleagues at the Parish Council.”