FAMILY and friends and members of the local community today bid a fond farewell to former local councillor Neville Woodyatt, of Lymm, who died suddenly but peacefully at home on May 18.
A service celebrating the life of Neville, who was 87 years old, took place at St peter’s Church Oughtrington. He had lived in Lymm for most of his life having moved to the village when he was just 4 years old. Neville was the much loved husband of local councillor Sheila, father of four children and grandfather of seven.
Neville was born in Altrincham in 1930 above the family green grocers shop on Seamons Moss Road. He was an only child but he came from a very close knit family and spent much of his childhood with his cousins who were like siblings to him. He moved to Lymm in 1934 where his father had a poultry farm.
He attended High Legh Primary School and Lymm Grammar School. He then went onto study Physics at Manchester University. At the Grammar School he excelled at sport and this became a regular part of his life. He played football for the Lymm Grammar School Old Boys then joined Lymm Oughtrington Park Cricket Club where he enjoyed playing for many years, captaining the 2nd team. He was the President up until his recent death. After retiring from cricket he joined Lymm Golf Club and was a member and regular player there for 35 years.
After leaving school Neville became an active member of the Lymm Grammar School Old Students Association. It was through this that he met his wife of 58 years, Sheila, at the opening of the school swimming pool in 1957.
After graduation, he qualified as an Electrical Engineer and then served in the RAF for two years. He began his career as an Electrical Engineer at AEI Metropolitan Vickers, transferring to ICI as a Control Engineer and Manager a few years later. He finished his career at the Electrical Engineering department at Manchester University.
Neville was an active and highly respected member of the community in Lymm. He served as a local Councillor for 28 years and was Chairman of the Parish Council in 1988. He was a governor at Evelyn Street Primary School and Appleton Thorn Primary School for many years.
After retiring Neville enjoyed spending time with his family and supported Sheila in her political career including supporting her when she was the Mayor of Warrington in 2000/2001. He enjoyed being the Mayor’s Consort and was very proud when he accompanied Sheila to Buckingham Palace when she received her MBE.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
