Councillor Burrows (left) with Mr Cowgill and Mr Woodcock admiring the gifts.

Burnley Rural District Council met for the last time in its present form on Thursday, 7th March 1974. This historic moment, before local government reorganisation, had more than a touch of sadness, for it also marked the retirement of two of the council's most prominent officers. After over 20 years with the authority, 54-year-old Mr Dennis Cowgill, Clerk and Chief Financial Officer, presided at his last meeting, and also bidding farewell was 61-year-old Chief Public Health Inspector Mr Harold Woodcock, who took up his post almost 29 years ago.

Mr Cowgill came to Burnley Rural District Council in 1953 as Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Clerk, where be served under Mr Sam Foster, Clerk to the council. On Mr Foster's retirement in March 1972, Mr Cowgill became Clerk and Chief Financial Officer. Three years ago he served for 12 months as chairman of the Association of Chief Financial Officers for Lancashire County District. He is also a member of the Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. A keen musician, he is organist at Wheatley Lane Methodist Church, where he held office as treasurer for 12 years. The gift presented to him by Burnley Rural District chairman Councillor Frank Burrows on behalf of council members was a radio and stereogram - items which will make his hobby of listening to light music even more of a pleasure.

Mr Woodcock, who received gifts of a camera and binoculars, took up his post as Chief Public Health Inspector in 1945. His hobbies are gardening and the law, which he has studied for many years. Many warm tributes were paid to both officers by Councillor Burrows and Councillor George Halsted, chairman of the Health and Water Committee; Councillor Taylor Smith, the longest-serving member of the council; and Councillors E. T. Eddlestone, I. Limmer and Miss A. Alston. Mrs Cowgill and Mrs Woodcock received bouquets.