Affectionately known as ’Mr. Narberth’, he was given a rapturous round of applause at April’s monthly meeting of the town council when it was announced he was not seeking re-election in May’s elections after nearly half-a-century of service.
Born and brought up in Llawhaden, Mr. Feetham, had only missed two council meetings because of bereavement in 49 years.
Described as an ‘encyclopedia of Narberth,’ by one of his council colleagues, Mr. Feetham was a retired businessman, having run the Spar Stores in High Street for over 30 years.
Mr. Feetham’s colourful local government career began in 1968 when he was co-opted onto Narberth Urban Council by the then chairman, the late Clr. Charles Salmon, after being nominated by the late Clr. S. I. P. Williams.
He went on to represent the urban council on the old Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee and became a member of South Pembrokeshire District Council in 1974 and was honoured to be chairman in 1984-85.
Mr. Feetham also donned the scarlet robes as Mayor of Narberth an amazing six times - 1978-79 and 1979-80, 1995-96, 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2006-07 - and on each occasion, his wife of over 50 years, Doris, was at his side as Mayoress.
Mr. Feetham was a much-loved and respected character in the town, so it was not surprising that he also dedicated his life to many community groups and organisations.
He was one of the founder members of Narberth Civic Week, a life president and former chairman of the Narberth in Bloom committee, and was a past chairman of the Queen’s Hall committee and life member. He was also a life member of Narberth Chamber of Trade and former member of Bloomfield Sports Association and Narberth Future Forum. He was also involved with the senior citizens group.
Mr. Feetham was awarded the coveted MBE in June 2005 for services to the community and was thrilled to visit Buckingham Palace and meet HM The Queen to receive his accolade.
Other awards for community service included the Paul Harris Fellowship, awarded by Rotary, and the Narberth People’s Award.
Warm tributes have been paid to Mr. Feetham.
Mayor of Narberth, Clr. Mrs. Ruth Platt, said: “As Mayor of Narberth and on behalf of the town council, we were saddened to hear of the death of Eric Feetham.
“Eric was a true gentleman, a good councillor and a true friend.
“The town of Narberth has lost ‘Mr. Narberth’ and also the father of the town council.
“Whoever you were or what ever advice or help you needed, Eric was always there to help.
“Our extended sympathy goes out to his wife Doris, daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Neville.”
Chair of Narberth Civic Week, Clr. Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers, said: “As the chair of Narberth Civic Week, as well as a fellow councillor and a colleague on many other organisations within the town, I feel that the love and respect Eric had will never again be seen in my lifetime. There are no words to describe the loss Narberth has to bear - the knowledge and wisdom Eric had and shared was immeasurable. Narberth Civic Week will continue to respect the memory of Eric Feetham MBE by doing their very best to serve Narberth, just as Eric did. If we can do a small percentage of what Eric did, we will have done well.”
Andrew Rees, chairman of Narberth Chamber of Trade, said: “It was very sad news to hear of the passing of Mr. Eric Feetham. He did so much for
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