Iris’s 50 year commitment to Dartford community recognised with surprise presentation

Half a century of dedication to a community in Dartford was celebrated with a surprise presentation for Iris Gutteridge, 88, who lives at Birchwood Heights care home, where she was presented with an engraved crystal vase in recognition of her 50 years’ service on Darenth Parish Council.

Iris, who only retired from the council in September 2024, is also Darenth’s longest serving Chair, having held the position for 18 years between 2003 – 2021.  Iris was surprised with the commemorative gift by the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Andy Lloyd, together with members of Darenth Parish Council and Iris’s family.

“It was such a wonderful surprise!” exclaimed Iris.  “I thought it was just my daughter who was coming to see me, and I couldn’t believe it when I saw everyone in the lounge.

“I loved my time on the council, it’s been a huge part of my life. I joined with my late husband, Ralph, in 1974.  We wanted to make difference in our community and I hope we did that.”

During her time as a councillor, Iris achieved a great deal for Darenth including the resurfacing of bridleways and the car park at Greenlands Primary School, upgrading the kitchen at Darenth Hall and installing fencing on Ladywood Road to combat noise from anti-social behaviour.

Darenth Parish Council’s current Chair, Nick Weavis, was alongside the Mayor in a special ceremony at Birchwood Heights to thank Iris for her commitment to the community. “Following her remarkable 18-year term as Chairman of Darenth Parish Council, it is right and appropriate to both recognise and celebrate Iris’s achievements,” he said.

“During this 18-year period, combined with her 50-years’ service to the Parish Council and community, thanks to the efforts under her guidance, there have been many improvements and changes in the Parish of huge benefit to residents.  Her strengths have brought about significant and lasting advances, making Darenth a better place to live. Iris is a shining example of what dedicated and caring leadership can achieve”.

Alongside her dedication to the community, Iris raised a family, served as a school governor and was a magistrate for 30 years.

“I don’t know where Mum gets the energy from!” said her daughter, Liz Gould. “When she moved into Birchwood Heights, I would still come and take her to evening meetings and help her with paperwork in her room.  She’s been such a feature in the community for so long, there were people here she knew when she moved in!”

Birchwood Heights offers residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 77 residents.  Its Lifestyle Manager, Theresa Doody, said the home is a special place for Iris in another way.

“Iris was also into amateur dramatics and Birchwood Heights is built on the site of the Woodland Theatre where she used to perform.  She’s donated her piano to us and she loves to take part in the choir we have here.  She’s quite a lady!”

Discover more about Birchwood Heights Care Home