Tribute to Mike Heywood

I write to pay tribute to Mike Heywood, the Chairman of Willaston Parish Council who has sadly died. I would also like to express my sympathy and condolences to his wife Judy and her family.

Mike was a wonderful, lovely man. He was gentle, quietly spoken, kind, patient and caring. He always had a friendly word with everyone. He worked tirelessly for the residents of Willaston, for the Parish Council, for Willaston Scouts, for Willaston in Bloom and for so many other groups. Whatever event you went to in the village he was almost always there, showing support, commitment and giving a word of praise.

Mike was first elected to the Parish Council in 1996 and brought with him an energy to immediately get the job done.

He became Chairman in 1999. It was at this time I was elected as the Willaston Borough Councillor and when I got to know Mike. As soon as you met him it was like you had known him all your life. He was always so friendly, welcoming and helpful.

I was delighted that during my period as Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich in 2009 I was able to award him a special Mayor's Oscar for his excellent work in Willaston for so many years. He was a very worthy recipient of the award in the Civic Hall at Nantwich but he collected it in his usual unassuming way, wondering what all the fuss was about.

Last August Mike persuaded the Parish Council to revive the Village Fete. It was a beautiful sunny day and over 500 people turned out to see the procession and  to enjoy the fete on the playing fields. As Parish Council Chairman Mike  crowned the Rose Queen, Emily Bennett, who was surrounded by her young attendants. He was really happy at the success of the Fete and rightly proud of the support the revived Fete had been given by local people.

Mike was the Chairman of the Willaston in Bloom Committee and  worked hard with his team to make the village look really beautiful with hanging baskets and  flower borders everywhere in time for the judging process. All the hard work paid off  however and the village has won numerous Britain in Bloom awards over the years which are displayed at the entrances to the village.

Mike was a local character who worked really hard for the village he loved for so many years and local residents really appreciated his tremendous efforts on their behalf.

He always had a friendly word and a smile for everybody. His leadership, energy  and work rate will be greatly missed

He was a shining star, a very honourable man and a dear friend to all who knew him.

Mike was 'Mr Willaston' and Willaston will not be the same without him.

His passing will leave an enormous gap that will be impossible to fill.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Brian Silvester

Cheshire East Borough Councillor for Willaston