Fitting send-off for great figure

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Fitting send-off for great figure
I recently travelled to Gateshead from Wakefield to attend the Requiem Mass at St Joseph's Church, Birtley, for Alderman Joseph Hattam.
I enjoyed Joseph's friendship for more than 25 years, in spite of the 'slight' difference in our political views.
I am a Conservative, but in all the years since our first meeting, politics was never a problem.
On one of the first occasions we met, Joseph was in the chair at a meeting of The National Association of Councillors. I was interrupted as I was speaking, but Joseph told the heckler 'You might not agree with what Coun Hazell is saying, indeed neither might I, but as long as I am in the chair he is entitled to make his point'.
Joseph was respected everywhere as a decent, hardworking man who loved Gateshead.
However, he used his experience and wisdom to help councillors of all 'colours' benefit their own area.
He was a devout Christian and many times we went to Mass together.
I think Gateshead showed how much it respected him when he was appointed Mayor for a second term.
In a snow-bound Birtley, the church was packed.
I saw the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Deputy Mayor of Gateshead along with more than 30 councillors.
I met other mourners who had travelled from Sheffield, Southport and Berkshire.
Clearly Joseph's influence has extended far beyond the Gateshead he loved so much. He was a really good man who will never be forgotten.

NORMAN JOSEPH HAZELL MBE (Mayor of Wakefield 2000-01), Sandal, Wakefield.

[ChronicleLive.co.uk - Letters Page - 4 Feb 2009]

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