Council pays tribute to Robin Sider BEM

It is with great sadness that Spelthorne Borough Council announces the death of ex-Mayor and former Shepperton Councillor, Honorary Alderman Robin Sider BEM.

Robin was first elected to represent Shepperton Town serve as a councillor in May 1999 and he held this position right through until his retirement from local politics in 2023. He carried out numerous roles including Chair of the Licensing Committee during his time as Councillor, and was elected as Mayor of Spelthorne in 2002, and again in 2012.    

A very well-known figure in Shepperton and Spelthorne, Robin held countless community roles over the years, including School Governor at The Matthew Arnold School, Chair of the Staines Swimming Club, Shepperton Rotarian, Chair of Shepperton Horticultural Society, President of the Hope Stroke Club, President of Spelthorne Schools Sports Association and Chair of the St. Nicholas Shepperton Scout Group. In 2014 Robin was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Shepperton Community.  

2023 was a particularly special year for Robin as he was made an Honorary Aldermen of the Borough for his outstanding service and dedication to Spelthorne. 

In the years before retiring as a councillor, he passionately embraced his role as the Council's Armed Forces Champion, raising issues affecting current and retired forces personnel, supporting remembrance events and helping local uniform groups. In October 2021 Robin collected the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award on behalf of the Council.  

Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said: "Robin was not just a dedicated and hardworking councillor; he was a true champion for Shepperton and Spelthorne, always putting his community first. Even after stepping down from his role, his passion never faded, he continued to support local groups and good causes with the same warmth and generosity that defined him. Robin had a special way of making people feel valued, always taking the time to listen and connect. He touched so many lives, and his kindness and dedication will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a true local legend, and his legacy will live on in the community he loved so much."

Chief Executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, Daniel Mouawad, said: "We are all so very saddened. Robin was one of those special people that you just instantly warmed to, an honourable person and true gentleman. He was to many 'Mr. Shepperton' always seen around the town talking with people and taking an active role in supporting his community. It was this care for others, and his belief in duty and loyalty, that made him such an exceptional councillor. Robin was a great friend to us all at Spelthorne and we shall miss him very much."  

The Council's flag will be flown at half-mast.