Warren Woodley has no plans for early retirement - in fact there's nothing further from his mind.

He may have been in the motor industry for 36 or 37 years but he says there are still many things to be achieved in his life.

Mr Woodley is a Tamworth man, born, bred and educated.

He completed his education at Tamworth High School and joined his father's motor trimming business when he was 15.

Mr Woodley married local girl Lorraine Vine in 1961 and they honeymooned in Noumea, part of Mrs Woodley's prize the previous year when she was elected the Festival of Light Queen.

Mr Woodley was elected an alderman of Tamworth City Council in late 1965, serving until the term was completed in December 1968.

He did not seek re-election after the first term as his father Neville died in 1968 and Mr Woodley had the pressures of assuming the management reigns of the motor business.

However, he again stood for and was elected to council in September 1980 and has served continuously since that time.

"I've lived in Tamworth all my life and I love the western districts," Mr Woodley said.

"I'm interested in having a say in the development of Tamworth city and I can do that in my role as an alderman.

"I'm anxious Tamworth should develop in a manner that would afford a good lifestyle for families, not just development for development's sake.

"Development should provide jobs for young people. It should allow Tamworth to expand in an orderly fashion."

Mr Woodley said development should include keeping some of the city s historic buildings for posterity.

"History helps people appreciate where they are today and what God's world is all about, " he said.

Mr Woodley said he had always polled well at council elections.

"In advertising campaigns leading up to council elections, I usually use the slogan, 'If you like what I do, vote for me. If you don't, don't vote for me'.

"It's as simple as that, but it's been shown a number of times by the way people have voted that they have confidence in me and the decisions I make with council, which is very encouraging."

Mr Woodley said he had served on all council committees except finance and was currently chairman of the trading and utility services committee which he found both challenging and rewarding.

"Will I stand again at the next local government election in 1991? I don't even know myself," he said.

Mr and Mrs Woodley have both been actively engaged in a number of community groups and services and particularly with the Anglican Church.

The Woodley's live on a small property out of town where Mr Woodley raises Hereford cattle for relaxation.

He thinks maybe in the future he could develop the property a little more, one day he may take some long service leave and do some tripping around.

"But not too much," he said.

"There are a lot of new business ventures yet to be tried in Tamworth and I'd like to be involved in them."

Northern Daily Leader, Thursday, August 17, 1989.