Council hosts service of commemoration for late Mayor
Civic dignitaries, friends, colleagues and representatives from key organisations will come together to remember the late Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cllr. Barry Panter.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is hosting a service of commemoration at St. Giles’ Church, Newcastle, on Thursday, 3 April at 1.30pm.
The service, led by Reverend Joshua Penduck, will include prayers, hymns, readings, family tributes and a blessing.
Cllr. Panter, aged 75, passed away on Saturday, 15 February following a road traffic accident. During his Mayoral year, he was raising money for Headway North Staffs and the Chesterton branch of the Salvation Army.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
We were all shocked and saddened to hear about Cllr. Panter’s sudden death and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this very difficult time.
Cllr. Panter dedicated his life to public service; he showed desire and enthusiasm for serving residents. He was nervous about becoming the Mayor but quickly grew into the role which was great to see. I attended several events with him and he carried himself with the poise and posture you'd expect. He looked to have order in the council chamber – never afraid to wield his gavel – and quite right too. But above all, he was a family man.
The service of commemoration is an opportunity for everyone to remember Cllr. Panter and celebrate a life well-lived.”
Residents are welcome to attend the civic event.
A memorial ball – instead of the usual Mayor’s Ball – took place at Keele Hall on Saturday, 29 March to honour Cllr. Panter’s life. More than £2,000 was raised for his chosen charities.
Cllr. Panter’s funeral took place on Thursday, 20 March.