Dr. John Montague Newnham (1869-1945)

Dr. Newnham was elected a member of the Croydon Borough Council in 1902 and nine months later was appointed chairman of the Education Committee, a tribute to his ability in view of the anticipated difficulties of administering the Education Act then just passed.  For eight years he held that post with conspicuous success and then served for three years as chairman of the Finance Committee.

In 1913 he was appointed Town Clerk, a position which he held with distinction until 1937, when upon his retirement, he was presented with the Freedom of the Borough.  His services were retained in a consultative capacity after his retirement.  Typical of him was that when war came he volunteered to leave well-earned retirement and offer his services in any useful capacity. He accepted the post of Food Executive Officer without  fee or reward of any kind.

A man of outstanding ability, discernment and experience he played an immensely important part in the development of the town over a long period when the shape and status of the town was being determined.  He exercised a commanding influence by reason of his knowledge and experience for the advancement of the town's interests.