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Wife taught civic boss to read and write

Apr 5 2009 by Neil McKay Sunday Sun

A TOP civic boss has told how his wife of 56 years taught him how to read and write.

Len O’Donnell, who was the last ever chairman of the old Durham County Council, stepped down from the post on Wednesday when the council made way for a new unitary authority.

And in a moving address in front of hundreds of dignitaries, Len, 77, paid tribute to his wife Doreen.

He said: “They say that behind every good man is a good woman. In my case nothing could be truer.

“I was the second oldest of a family of 14 and I effectively left school when I was 11 without being able to read or write.

“When I began courting Doreen in my teens she would produce a pencil and paper and teach me how to read and write while other couples were going to the cinema or to dances.”

Former miner Len, from Helford Road, Peterlee, has been a councillor for more than 20 years and last year held the chain of office as chairman.

He revealed: “Even now I cannot do joined up writing. My secretary at County Hall says I have the neatest printed writing she has seen.”

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