Lynch by name, Lynchpin by nature.

Iain Lynch has occasionally been called the Scarlet Pimpernel by Farnham Town Council staff and affiliates because he was sometimes impossible to pin down.

But the man they seek here and there was in the spotlight on Tuesday as Farnham’s great and good gathered in the castle to give its departing town clerk a special send-off.

More than 100 special guests and dignitaries raised a glass and three cheers for Mr Lynch in recognition of his 15 years of committed service to Farnham.

FH Iain Lynch Farewell PIC4.jpg
Around 100 people attended the special event in Farnham Castle. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

The guest list was impressive with attendees including a former Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff and mayors, councillors and colleagues from past and present.

Surrey County Council leader, Tim Oliver, also attended along with local figures from education, commerce, sports and the arts community, with FTC leader Cllr Graham White acting as MC for the evening.

Guests were reminded that FTC was in a tricky place when former mayor, Cllr John Ward, began the search for a new town clerk in 2010 following an “unexpected” departure.

“When he took over as town clerk, Farnham Town Council wasn’t awfully liked in the town,” said Cllr Ward after hailing Mr Lynch’s “incredible work ethic”.

“But as a result of his post he is now widely known, appreciated and respected around the town.

FH Iain Lynch Farewell PIC3.jpg
Former mayor, John Ward, was full of compliments for Mr Lynch during the evening event. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“He has an ability to get on with people of all backgrounds – he’s a right good egg and leaves the council in rude health.”

“You know how the town ticks,” said Meg Daniels of the Farnham Institute Charity to Mr Lynch before Cllr White thanked the hockey-loving Scottish international and local government supremo for keeping his feet on the ground.

“He would often say to me ‘why would we do that?’ with an idea that I would consider groundbreaking – but he was right most of the time,” said the night’s compere.

“Iain has a wealth of knowledge. He could tell you when the last gargoyle was repaired on St Andrew’s Church.”

David Gill of Farnham Sports Council called the castle the perfect venue, coining Iain ‘town royalty’ and befitting of a venue visited by kings and queens.

He said: “You brought energy, ambition and a can-do attitude – in your lifetime you made a difference.”

FH Iain Lynch Farewell PIC2.jpg
Iain Lynch spoke towards the end, with guests being encouraged to 'raise their glasses to Farnham' (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

There were also video messages from Sarah Squires, Rebecca Skeels of Farnham Craft Town and Paralympic gold-medallist Rachel Morris – who has the most medals? Her or Farnham In Bloom? – before Iain spoke.

The crowd were reminded before and during of all the things Farnham has achieved during his tenure: It’s become a World Craft Town, FTC was named council of the year in 2021, and has been a regular in the national InBloom finals.

And that’s before we mention two other big achievements during his watch, namely the Neighbourhood Plan and the Farnham Infrastructure Programme.

“I’ve been very lucky during 50 years of public and community service” said Mr Lynch in a poignant speech.

“Thank you to family and friends who have shared me with Farnham for a very long time.”