UPDATED: LYMM’S hugely popular Town Crier Peter Powell has sadly died just a month after leading the village’s annual Dickensian Festival for a final time, with his funeral set to take place on Friday, February 10.
The funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church in Oughtrington at 12 noon and all are welcome. Donations are welcome for the Lymm Clothing Charity and Lymm in Bloom. Since the announcement of his death yesterday morning, social media has been full of messages of condolences paying tribute to the popular character.
Well-known in the village for all his community work, he was made a Freeman of Lymm at the event in recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication spanning many years as Town Crier.
He died peacefully at home with family by his side.
Paying tribute Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “Peter was a true gentleman, a wonderful supporter of local causes, a very kind, thoughtful and interesting man who gave his time, experience and wisdom so generously. Most of all he was a brilliant Town Crier, representing not just for Lymm but also Altrincham at so many events. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing and I send my condolences to his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, former fellow parish Cllr Kath Buckley, who worked closely with Peter for many years on various events, including Lymm May Queen said: “He was a wonderful person and would help anyone. He was marvellous at Lymm May Queen and was so kind and generous – everyone loved him. While everyone knew who he was in his Town Crier uniform he did so much more behind the scenes.
“He was a great mentor for lots of people giving help and advice – he was very generous with his time. When I first started on the parish council he was very helpful.”
During his career, Peter, aged 74, travelled the world working for Japanese Tractor manufacturers Iseki, but always found time to return to Lymm to help lead events like Lymm Dickensian, Lymm May Queen, Lymm Transport Day, Lymm Duck Race and many more. He also travelled the world representing the village at Town Crier championships.
He was also Chair of the Lymm Clothing Charity for many years and worked behind the scenes on many community projects.
While his main focus was Lymm, he also ventured out of the village to support and promote many other community events, including the annual Disability Awareness Day.
Despite failing health, he continued, to support events, with Lymm Dickensian being his farewell appearance, as he handed over his bell to grandson AJ Powell.
His funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church, Oughtrington at a date to be announced.
Below are just a few of the many hundreds of photographs taken by Warrington Worldwide and Lymm Life
Peter Powell with grandson AJ Powell
Town Crier Peter Powell performs the official opening at Bird and Bay
Dave Thompson with Town Crier Peter Powell at Disability Awareness Day
Peter on the top of a double decker bus helping Lymm Life celebrate 20 years in the village
Peter Powell receives an award from Lymm Rotary Club
Town Crier Peter Powell in action at Lymm Duck Race
Peter proudly shows off one of his World Town Crier championship awards
Dickens of a day as Town Crier made Honorary Freeman of Lymm
2 Comments
Today I had to report on the sad passing of a true gentleman and community champion who has been a huge part of my life in the media.
Peter was always supportive of everything I reported on, always made himself available for phot calls or events I asked him to help out with, even touring the village on top of an open top bus celebrating 20 years of Lymm Life Lymm Life magazine – never once did he ask for money – sometimes a donation to a charity but always delivered the goods!
I know he will be hugely missed by many, especially family and close friends.
I will certainly miss one of life’s great characters who was an excellent role model for service above self!
RIP Peter – I will miss our interviews but be there supporting your grandson as he takes on your role.
Enjoy ringing that bell at the pearly gates! 🔔
Such a sad day for me personally and for the Lymm Community..A true Gentleman a very friendly person who will be remembered throughout Lymm and District..God bless Peter