On Tuesday, Councillor Mrs Barbara Lamb will mark the end of her year as chairman when she hands over the regalia to her successor, Councillor Ivor Ambrose.

During her reign Councillor Lamb attended a plethora of events, from tree plantings to dressing up in Victorian costume, to raise money for Rickmansworth traders and charities.

But among the most vivid memories of her year will be spending the night in a cell at The Mount prison, Molyneaux Avenue, in Bovingdon.

The fundraising event saw many dignitaries from around the area take part in the sponsored lock-up, and also marked the opening of the new prison block.

Councillor Lamb said: "The beds were hard, the pillow was like a sandbag but fortunately I slept like a log.

"I wasn't too bothered about being locked in the cell at night but the thing that really got to me was when I woke up in the morning and I had to wait for the warden to open the cell door.

"I am an early riser and I had nothing to do but stare out of a window, which had a limited view. I could not imagine having to spend a life sentence this way."

Many of her official engagements raised money for the chairman's charities RNIB Sunshine House for Children in Northwood and the Parkinson's Disease Society.

One of the most recent events was a golf day held at Rickmansworth Public Golf Course, which raised more than £3,000 for her charities.

Another enjoyable aspect of Councillor Lamb's year was visiting schools in the district and attending children's events.

She said: "I particularly liked going to the children's events because they demonstrated how much talent there is in our area.

"Before I took the job as chairman of the council I thought I knew everything about the area but I was wrong. I don't think I appreciated just how many community groups do so much good in the district."

Councillor Lamb has served as a Liberal Democrat district councillor for the past 12 years and will continue to serve this year after holding her seat for the Rickmansworth West Ward in the local elections last week.

She said: "One of the most prestigious times was when the High Sheriff, Mr Richard Pleydell-Bouverie, and his wife chose to visit Three Rivers. It was quite an honour to be selected for the visit and I was very proud to represent the district."

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