But villagers might remember him best for his civic roles, as a councillor and the former mayor of Holderness. He served as an independent parish councillor for Sproatley for over 45 years, stood as an independent councillor for Holderness Borough Council. Meanwhile, 1991 marked a very proud moment when he was elected Mayor of Holderness, with his sister Doreen Harper as Mayoress. Article continues below“He was very much the working man and voice of the people who rose to become the Mayor of Holderness. On his gravestone he’s requested the words ‘A country man and friend to all’.”Get all the latest headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our newsletter.