The Late Alderman John Simmonds Civic Memorial Service

March 27th 2.00pm
Rock Parish Church, Rectory Lane, Rock, Nr Kidderminster

Wendy and I first met John and Pat Simmonds in 2004, when I was Mayor of Evesham and John was Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council.

Honorary Alderman John Simmonds

ABOUT 150 people gathered in Rock Parish Church to celebrate the life of an honorary alderman of Wyre Forest District Council. John Simmonds was an Independent district councillor in Rock for more than 30 years and a former council chairman. He died, aged 79, at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on December 12 last year, suffering from acute respiratory problems. During the service, family members were escorted into church by a parade led by civic dignitaries. They included Dr Richard Taylor, Wyre Forest MP, John Cairns, Worcestershire County Council chairman, Mike Salter, chairman of Wyre Forest District Council and Mayors, Mayoresses and councillors from across Worcestershire. The service of celebration was conducted by the Rev Stephen Owens and Rev Linda Catlow. Stephen Clee, clerk to Rock Parish Council, said: “It was a joyful occasion and rousing hymns like Immortal Invisible and Glory Glory Hallelujah were sung with great gusto”. Towards the end of the service, Pat, was presented with a bouquet of spring flowers by the district council chairman and she invited everybody present to light a candle in memory of John. The event ended with a collection of £300 towards the Millbrook Suite Appeal. A lovely service, john would have been very pleased. He even ordered good weather.

John was elected to Rock Parish Council more than 50 years ago and began serving on the district council at its inception in 1973. Among his accomplishments was being chairman of the environmental health committee when wheelie bins were introduced in the district. He was due to celebrate his 31st wedding anniversary with wife, Pat, shortly after he died.

 

Rock Parish Church

After the service, afternoon tea was provided in Rock Village Hall by members of Far Forest WI

John was a lovely man. Wendy and I are proud to have known him.