A fond farewell and grateful thanks to Rupert Perry

Paul, Una and Rupert at the Town Hall in May 2016

On the eve of polling day, May 3rd 2018, we mark the moment when Rupert Perry steps down as one of the Cally Councillors.

First elected in 1990 for the old Thornhill Ward, Rupert has served the Cally with distinction and determination for almost three decades.

Over the years Rupert played a major role on the Council and in our community. He served as chair of the Environment Committee and the Planning Committee and was Mayor of Islington 1997-98. Over much of his extensive period in office, Rupert served as a trustee of the Richard Cloudesley Trust.

Having lived in the heart of Cally for over 30 years, Rupert and Ann raised a family of three who went to local schools, lived locally and have done well: Billy is a digital animator now working in Australia; Celia teaches in an Islington School; and Alice who works as a University of London alumni manager is also a “chip off the old block” being an Islington Councillor in St Peter’s Ward. The whole family supports North London’s favourite football club with Rupert, Ann and Alice proudly being season ticket holders for many years.

Rupert was the first in his family to reach University. He went to Oxford where he studied chemistry and, armed with a good degree from a top class university, he had a first career involving extensive international commerce. Rupert’s second career in later years took a colourful turn: he did “the knowledge” and became a black cab driver going under the name “Red Cally Cabbie” on Twitter! As a result, Rupert’s grasp of detailed local geography was unbeatable.

As a Councillor, over the years, Rupert diligently helped hundreds of families with housing and other casework – even during the 4 years when he was briefly not on the Council in 2002-06.

Rupert’s health hit a tricky patch recently and he scaled-back his Council role whilst recuperating. But he has recovered well. So his decision to step-down at the 2018 election represents a retirement of sorts. Rupert and Ann moved to a smaller home in Suffolk recently although they retain a toe-hold in Islington and both regularly attend Arsenal home games.

Paul Convery says “Rupert and Ann showed great kindness to Una and myself and they have been great people to know: good company and generous with their time and their home. Rupert has been a source of friendship, sound advice and great support to us in Cally and to his colleagues on the Islington Council Labour Group. We all wish him and Ann the best for the future and give grateful thanks to Rupert for his service. Over the coming 4 years, Sara, Una and I will continue to champion the things that Rupert held dear and continue his legacy in Cally.”